Planting Time Beginning; Drive Safely

With planting season looming, it’s time to up the ante on roadway safety.

Long work days will include moving tractors, planters and tillage equipment that are often oversized and slow-moving, making it difficult for drivers to know how to behave when sharing the road.

“Drivers are urged to exercise caution and drive defensively, especially when agricultural equipment is present,” said Eric Vanasdale, COUNTRY Financial senior loss control representative. “Farmers are under an intense amount of pressure during planting season. Caution and patience are key.”

Typical crashes with farm equipment include sideswipes and angle crashes. They occur most often when a driver attempts to pass a slow-moving vehicle or does not realize a farmer is turning or stopping.

Drivers should remember to decrease speed and approach agricultural equipment with care. Remember farm equipment may be wider than what is visible from behind, and it may be difficult to see if traffic is approaching from the opposite direction. So, maintain a safe following distance.