Share the road with harvest traffic

INDIANAPOLIS — Leaders at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture encourage drivers to watch out and slow down for farm equipment on rural roads this fall.

In 2020, three vehicles were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana which resulted in two deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“These accidents can be prevented if we all slow down and use caution around farm equipment this fall,” said Bruce Kettler, ISDA director.

“There is nothing more beautiful than rural Indiana in the fall,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “But, with that beauty comes heightened roadway dangers during harvest season. I am encouraging all Hoosiers to be alert and be patient on rural roads this harvest season.”

Safety tips and considerations

1. Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.

2. Be patient. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.

3. Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.

4. Do not try to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.

5. Be aware of farmers working near the road and semi trucks and trailers parked alongside rural roads.

6. Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.

7. Allow plenty of time to get to a destination; be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.

“Despite encouraging motorists and farmers alike to take extra precaution on roadways during harvest season, crashes still occur every year,” said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police superintendent.

“One death is one too many. I want to remind everyone to remain alert and exercise caution as you travel on Indiana’s rural roads this fall.”

Learn more at www.isda.in.gov.