Take Extra Caution on the Roads this Planting Season

Go ahead and admit it, this has happened to you: You are running late, inevitably get behind some sort of farm equipment convoy, become very impatient and look for every window of opportunity to pass.  Some of you may even get a little aggravated at the driver and say things under your breath.  But while you are about to blow your gasket because this convoy has caused you to be little behind schedule, remember those guys and gals operating that equipment are now behind schedule as well thanks to Mother Nature.  They too are on a tight schedule and have a very important job to do. 

While some of the general public does get rather impatient with this “slower moving traffic”, remember that if it were not for that slower moving traffic there would not be any food on your table.  Instead of getting upset and trying to get around farm equipment as fast as you possibly can, take a second to think about all of the time, effort and hard work that our farmers put into producing our food supply.  And if you get a chance, stop and thank those farmers for taking on that laborious task. 

Not only should we be grateful that planting season is finally here, but we need to remember to be courteous on the roads.  Please take extra caution on the roads during planting season.  There are numerous tractors, planters, anhydrous tanks, plows and other farm implements on the road this time of year.  It may be a good idea to plan ahead and leave the house a few minutes early in case you do get behind farm equipment.  If you must pass, remember only pass in a marked passing zone and do so carefully.  Leave as much room as possible between you and the farm implements.  Also, please do not following farm equipment too closely.

Farmers, be sure to that your turning signals and brake lights are functioning.  If you do not have working lights, be use some other form of communication (such as hand signals) to let other drivers know your intentions (such as slowing down or making a left hand turn).  Also, the use of flaggers is very important when transporting equipment and can help prevent many accidents.  Most highway farm equipment related accidents happen while attempting left hand turns without the use of signals, flaggers or blocking incoming traffic so please plan to utilize these if you are not already. 

Remember that we all have a job to do and somewhere to be and someone to see and never enough time, but nothing is more important than our lives.  Please be courteous on the roads and respect other drivers, whether they are driving a car, truck, van, bus, semi or tractor.  For more information on farm equipment safety, please contact the McLean County Extension Office at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.