Harvest season’s getting underway, and state officials are warning drivers to be on the lookout for farm equipment on Indiana roads. A number of agencies, including the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and the Indiana Department of Transportation, are teaming up to bring attention to safety issues on roads in rural areas.
As part of that effort, they’re offering some tips to keep farmers and motorists safe:
They say to be patient when waiting to pass tractors and slow-moving vehicles. Most farmers will pull over to let you pass, but it may take them a while to get to a safe place to do so.
Additionally, make sure the farmer isn’t planning to make a left turn, since some wide vehicles need to move to the right side of the road in order to turn left. For this reason, you should watch for turn signals and look for gates and driveways on the left side of the road before passing.
It’s also important to obey no passing zones and avoid distractions like smart phones.
When you are able to pass, remember that farm equipment is wide and can sometimes take up most of the roadway.
For more safety tips, visit www.getprepared.in.gov.
