The Indiana State Department of Agriculture says with temperatures on the rise, more farmers will be out in their fields, which means slow-moving farm equipment will soon be on Indiana roadways. To keep motorists and farmers safe this planting season, several state agencies have partnered together to encourage Hoosiers to be alert, slow down and share the road with farm equipment.
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch says as a top agricultural state, whether you live in rural, urban or suburban Indiana, a majority of motorists will come across large farm equipment on the road this planting season. She encourages every Hoosier to be mindful, slow down and share the road, which will not only ensure their safety, but also the safety our farmers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, farm equipment vehicles (other than trucks) were involved in 92 fatal crashes across the nation, with six of those occurring in Indiana.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter says roadway safety is a priority of the Indiana State Police, especially when large farm machinery will be crossing state and county roads to farm fields during the planting season.
Carter says patience, courtesy and understanding, along with the undivided attention of farmers and the traveling public will help ensure a safe 2018 growing season.
By law, farm equipment must have the nationally designated slow-moving vehicle sign – a red triangle-shaped reflector – to warn drivers that their equipment is on the road. These vehicles often travel at speeds no higher than 25 mph.
