Thursday, October 23, 2014

Farm safety isn't just for farmers

The Hamilton County (Indiana) Sheriff's Office posted the following on their Facebook page and it's worth repeating. It's a good reminder for all of us to slow down and be safe on the roads this harvest season. 

From the Indiana State Police:
During this time of year farmers are out harvesting their crops which means large farm equipment will be on the roadways. As the farmers move their equipment from field to field motorists are reminded to exercise caution on the roadways particularly on county roads. Remember, some farm implements are much wider than the normal vehicle using the roadways and motorists may need to slow down, move over, and perhaps even come to a stop to allow these large pieces of machinery to pass.


The Indiana State Police offers the below safety tip reminders.
Tips for farmers: 

•Have all lighting and placards on your equipment as required by law. 

•When parking equipment along the road while in the field, make certain it is visible at night. 

•Avoid traveling on state and U.S. highways during rush hour traffic. 

•Wear High Visibility or reflective clothing when working so as to be seen by motorists and farm workers. 

•Indiana Code 9-21-5-7 requires operators of vehicles being driven at a speed below the posted limit to move over to the right at their first opportunity if three or more vehicles are following to allow those vehicles to safely pass.






Tips for motorists: 

•Be patient when traveling behind farm equipment; farmers have the same rights as automobile drivers to operate their equipment on the roads. 

•When approaching farm equipment from the opposite direction, pull to the right of the traveled portion of the road and allow the equipment to pass. 

•Always be cautious when approaching farm equipment parked on the side of the road. Someone may be getting into or out of the equipment or performing maintenance. 

•Be especially vigilant in watching for farm equipment on two lane roads, and around dusk when conditions can make the equipment harder to see.

2 comments:

  1. Farmers are not the only people who have access to a farm, so sharing that information is very much appreciated. A lot of agricultural equipment will be on sight, once you are in a farming area, most of which comes side by side with the dangers of crashing into an operated one on the road. In any case, thank you so much for that, Kimmi. I hope a lot of bloggers will get to see your post. All the best to you! :)

    Clifton Johnson @ Insuring theProduct

    ReplyDelete