As spring rolls in and fields begin to stir with activity, rural roads across the country come alive with the unmistakable signs of planting season. Tractors, sprayers, planters, and other large agricultural equipment return to the roadways, and with them comes the increased need for careful attention. Whether you're a farmer getting an early start in the field or a commuter driving rural roadways, it's important to remember that roadway safety is a shared responsibility.

Drivers may find themselves stuck behind slow-moving farm machinery, which can be frustrating when you're running late or trying to keep pace with traffic. However, it's critical to stay calm and make safety your top priority.

What drivers should look out for, how to react

• Slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs are the bright orange triangles seen on the back of farm equipment. These signs indicate the vehicle is traveling under 25 mph. Spotting one should be your cue to slow down immediately and be prepared to stop or reduce speed.
• Avoid sudden maneuvers. Never assume the farmer can see you—or that they’ll be able to move over quickly. These machines have limited visibility and wide turning radiuses. What looks like a right turn could be a wide swing to the left to navigate a field entrance.
• Pass with caution. Only pass farm equipment when it's legal, safe, and absolutely necessary. Make sure the road ahead is clear, and never pass on hills, curves, or intersections.
• Keep your distance. Following too closely can result in a collision if the equipment stops suddenly.

Suggestions for farmers driving equipment on public roadways

While farmers have every right to be on the road, they also play a critical role in ensuring the safety of others.

• Make your equipment visible. Clean, reflective SMV emblems, flashing lights, and wide-load signs help alert drivers sooner and give them more time to react.
• Signal clearly and early. Use hand signals and vehicle lights to indicate your intentions, especially when turning or crossing lanes.
• Avoid peak traffic hours when possible. Moving equipment early in the morning or mid-afternoon can reduce interactions with school buses or commuters.
• Keep to the right as much as is safely possible and allow cars to pass when it's legal and safe.

Many of the roads traveled during planting season are narrow, winding, and lacks sufficient shoulders that would support large equipment, making visibility and reaction time crucial for everyone. In any given year, hundreds of accidents involve farm equipment on public roads, most of which are preventable.

For motorists, the extra few minutes it might take to follow a tractor is far better than risking a dangerous collision. Take this slow time to enjoy our beautifully scenic county. For farmers, taking the time to ensure your equipment is properly marked and your route is safe can make all the difference.

As planting season hits full stride, let’s all do our part to make sure everyone—on the roads and in the fields—gets home safely.

Frank Becker is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Ohio State University Extension – Wayne County, and a Certified Crop Adviser, and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or becker.587@osu.edu
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu
This article was previously published in The Daily Record.