Planting season is quickly approaching for Indiana's 94,000 farmers. With the warm weather and sunshine, Hoosier motorists will also see more large, slow-moving farm equipment traveling Indiana's rural roads and highways.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient on roadways this spring.
"Springtime is incredibly busy for everyone, parents taking their kids to baseball and softball, track and field, graduations, and more, but it's especially busy for our farmers," said Lt. Gov. Beckwith, secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "I want to encourage all motorists this spring to slow down, drive safely, and share our roads with farmers and their large, slow-moving equipment."
In 2022, 11 occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana, which resulted in one death, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*.
"As spring progresses, expect to see more farm equipment on the roads as planting season gets underway," Indiana State Police Lieutenant TJ Zeiser said. "Let's remember to stay patient and give farm equipment the room to move safely between fields. Keeping our roads safe starts with all of us."
While "farm equipment" encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter during planting season include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment, and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.
The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:
• Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.
• Be patient. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.
• Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated "No Passing Zone" or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure, or tunnel.
Do not try to pass slow-moving farm equipment on the left without ensuring the farmer driving is not planning a left turn. The driver may be pulling over to allow a vehicle to pass when the farmer is preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
Additionally, avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road, allow plenty of time to reach a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.
Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb wants to remind motorists that farmers work hard to ensure they are as safe as possible.
"Getting planting equipment from field to field is the hardest part of planting season for Hoosier farmers," said Lamb, ISDA director and farmer from Boone County. "Having cars pull over when able is a huge help, and farmers appreciate it, and we also try to pull over when we can to let people pass. We want everyone to reach their destination safely, whether to school, daycare pickup, or a farm field."
Busseron Creek to offer prime spot for outdoor recreation and support for national security
Governor Braun announces partnership to crack down on crime involving ‘nuisance bars’
Man shot trying to flee from and collide with law enforcement vehicles in stolen U-Haul
Rockville Retro to feature antiques and more
Public input sought by Vermillion County Solid Waste District
Off the Square Artisans preps for 4th Anniversary Celebration
Putnam County BZA turns back proposed Green Ammonia facility
Resident returns from winter away from home to find theft from garage
Rockville woman booked on neglect of a dependent charges
Mansfield Mushroom Festival on the horizon
Thrive to host Community Feedback Sessions across Wabash Valley
Ivy Tech Day celebrates donations more than $483,000 statewide
Braun declares state of disaster emergency for 18 Indiana counties
Governor Braun directs flags to be flown at half-staff in Clay County
North Vermillion continues to focus on school safety with second SRO
Covered Bridge Gateway Trails Association receives grant to extend trail
Bridge closures in Parke County
Governor Braun takes steps to improve retention of correctional officers and reduce recidivism
Indiana Department of Health confirms 5 new measles cases
