Roadway Safety Considerations for Farm Equipment Operators

By Steven A. Freeman

Warmer temperatures and drier conditions are in the forecast and farmers will soon be in the fields in full-force. That means more equipment will be on the roadways in the coming days.

Moving farm equipment on public roads can be a dangerous activity. Farm operators need to drive defensively and remain alert every second they are on the road.

Steven Freeman, a professor in agricultural systems and bioengineering at Iowa State University, reminds equipment operators of some important dos and don’ts this spring.

Additional information is also available in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publication “Safely Sharing the Road with Farm Vehicles.”

Injuries can happen

Injuries can happen when farm equipment operators:

• Lack the experience to handle the heavy, slow-moving machinery.
• Drive too fast, particularly when pulling a heavy load or turning.
• Drive partially over the centerline.
• Drive partially on the shoulder, and partially on the main road surface.
• Run into a tree or other fixed object.

A major reason for farm machinery incidents on public roads is the difference in speed between automobiles and agricultural equipment. Motorists approach the slow moving farm equipment so quickly that they only have a few seconds to identify the hazard and react appropriately.

“That's why it is so important for farm equipment to be highly visible and properly identified with a slow moving vehicle sign which must be visible from 500 feet away,” said Steven Freeman, professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University. “SMV signs must be kept clean, and faded or damaged signs should be replaced.”

Tractors must be equipped with lights if operated on public roads at night, or under conditions of reduced visibility. Highway travel requires headlights, red taillights and reflectors. Flashing amber lights provide day and night warning to traffic approaching from either direction. The more highly visible the equipment is, the better.

Check everything before heading out

Freeman reminds farm equipment operators to perform a complete check of both the tractor and trailed equipment before heading onto the road.

1. Use safety-type hitch pins, and make sure they are securely fastened.
2. A safety chain must extend from the tractor to the frame of the towed equipment.
3. Check all tires (on both tractor and towed equipment) for air pressure, cuts and bumps.
4. Always lock brake pedals together for road travel. Sudden braking on one wheel only at high speed could put the tractor into a dangerous skid.
5. Rearview mirrors, flares and fire extinguishers should be standard equipment for tractors that are frequently driven on public roads.
6. Confirm that all lights are operating properly.
7. Make sure that the SMV sign is clean, unfaded and properly mounted.
8. Check towed equipment. Any load should be balanced and properly secured. Make sure the towed load is light enough for the tractor to handle safely. Heavy wagons should be equipped with independent brakes.

Safe driving tips for farm operators

Farm machinery operators can make road travel safer for themselves and others by taking the following precautions.

• Avoid busy roads whenever possible, even if travel time will be longer.
• Travel at a speed that will allow you to maintain full control at all times.
• Slow down when making turns or rounding curves.
• Observe road travel precautions listed in operator manuals. Some tractors freewheel in higher gears. This can be very dangerous when coming down a hill. Use lower gear ranges when climbing or descending hills.
• If possible, drive on the shoulder of a paved highway. However, don't drive partly on the shoulder and partly on the paved lane.
• Stay alert for hazards such as soft shoulders, narrow bridges, loose gravel, bumps, potholes and deep ruts.
• When cars are lined up behind you, and a suitable shoulder is available, pull over to let the traffic pass.
• If possible, move equipment in daylight during periods of light traffic.
• Travel after dark only if absolutely necessary. Remember that you need proper lighting for night driving.
• Don't take chances by pulling onto a road in front of moving traffic. Enter and exit roadways very cautiously if your view is obstructed.
• Obey traffic laws and signs. Courtesy is a key component of road safety!