Motorists in Indiana encouraged to share the road with farmers
Staff Writer |
With temperatures on the rise in Indiana, more farmers will be out in their fields, which means slow-moving farm equipment will soon be on Indiana roadways.
Article continues below
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.
“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,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch.
“We want to encourage every Hoosier to be mindful, slow down and share the road, which will not only ensure their safety, but also the safety of 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.
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.
“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,” said Indiana State Police (ISP) Superintendent Doug Carter.
“Patience, courtesy and understanding, along with the undivided attention of farmers and the traveling public will help ensure a safe 2018 growing season.” ■
A trailing cold front in connection with a low pressure system currently moving east across the Great Lakes toward New England will bring a chance of rain into the eastern U.S. on this first day of November following an exceptionally dry October for this part of the country.