Drivers and Farmers Reminded to Be Alert During Harvest Season

Missouri State Highway Patrol. mshp.dps.missouri.gov

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists and farmers to be cautious as harvest season begins. Last year, there were 177 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment or implements. In those crashes, seven people were killed and 63 were injured.

The patrol says it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are encouraged be courteous drivers and to obey all traffic laws.

Farmers are reminded to make sure farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when traveling on the roadway. If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass. Always drive as far to the right as possible. Don’t travel on the road at dawn or dusk if possible.

And all-terrain vehicles used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age.

Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunrise and sunset for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting.

Drivers should stay alert for slow-moving farm equipment. When you drive up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.

Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.

It’s important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.