Stay safe around farm equipment this harvest

INDIANAPOLIS — Motorists should be alert and stay patient on the roads during harvest season, Indiana State Department of Agriculture leaders advised.

In 2022, four vehicles were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana, which resulted in one death, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Moving farm equipment can be one of the most dangerous parts of a farmer’s job,” said Don Lamb, director of ISDA.

“When motorists know how to safely navigate around farm equipment, our roads are safer. By working together, farmers and everyday Hoosiers can ensure they arrive safely to their destination.”

Safety Tips

• 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.

• Be alert. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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