Northwest Iowa — With the harvest begun around us, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind drivers that they should expect a big increase in the amount of slow-moving farm traffic on roads and highways and that they should allow extra time to reach their destinations.
They say that you should remember that just because you see the equipment does not mean the equipment operator sees you.
They have released these safety tips:
Always be on the lookout for farm machinery. Watch for amber flashing lights and remember that farm vehicles and equipment can unexpectedly turn onto public roads from a field or driveway.
Farm machinery typically travels at 25 mph or less. Be prepared to slow down in order to avoid a rear‐end collision. Keep a safe distance; this gives better visibility to motorists and equipment operators. Allow adequate time and distance for farm equipment to make wide turns.
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office also has released some tips for farm equipment operators:
Check to make sure lighting and flashers are working properly and use them at all times of day. Display a slow‐moving vehicle (SMV) sign on the back of the implement. Be sure that flashers and lights are not covered in mud or other debris.
Be careful of soft edges on the roadway when giving way for oncoming traffic. Stay alert at all times, particularly since long hours during harvest can impair your judgment.
They also say that if you’re going to pass farm machinery, you should keep these tips in mind:
Watch for roadside obstacles such as traffic signs, bridges, and mailboxes that may cause the machinery to have to move toward the center of the roadway.
Always make sure the machinery is not turning left and be watchful for left turn signals or hand signals. Remember that larger vehicles and machinery may slow down and pull toward the right side of the road as the operator may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Likewise, sometimes to make wide right turns, operators must move briefly to the left.
Be sure roadways are wide enough for your vehicle and the farm equipment you intend to pass and always remain watchful for oncoming traffic.
