-Photo courtesy of ISU Extension
Steve Freeman, a professor and safety research expert at Iowa State University, said it is common for drivers to get "caught off guard" by the drastic change in speed between the vehicle they're driving and the farm equipment ahead.

Tractors are rolling across Iowa as planting gets fully underway across most of the state. Planting and harvest are the two busy times of the year for farmers and also two of the deadliest.

Whether they’re passing a slow-moving tractor in a no passing zone or simply don’t realize how little time they have to stop before crashing into farm equipment on the highway, Iowa drivers need to remember to “share the roadways” this spring.

Steve Freeman, a professor and safety research expert at Iowa State University, teaches classes pertaining to farm and rural safety, among other subjects. He grew up on a ranch in eastern Colorado and has authored many research articles about occupational safety.

“Growing up, I knew a lot of neighbors who had been injured while working on a farm. It was considered part of the price of farming and every time the old farmers gathered, the conversation often included stories of their injuries or of injuries to others. But when children were injured or killed, it was often ignored — just too painful to talk about and revisit. I knew there had to be a better way. Every farm injury is preventable. We have made progress, but still have work to do,” Freeman said.

He noted that drivers usually are “caught off guard” by the drastic change in speed between the vehicle they’re driving and the farm equipment ahead and just how quickly they catch up.

“If the tractor’s going 10 mph or 15 mph and they’re going 60, it’s like going 50 and coming up to a wall. That gap closes too quickly. Everyone needs to be patient and accept that we share our rural roadways. Farmers need to ensure that their equipment is visible and they need to be cautious when moving equipment on roads. Motorists need be aware of the possibility of farm equipment and to slow down. The difference in speed between cars and farm equipment often catches drivers by surprise. Drivers should not try to pass farm equipment unless they are sure the road is clear and the farmer is not planning on turning off the road to the left. Finally, farmers should not try to pull off to the side of the road to let vehicles pass unless they know the side of the road is stable and safe,” Freeman said.

Even though farm equipment is quite large and should be visible on highways, Freeman reminds farmers to make sure all of their lights are working properly and their reflective slow-moving vehicle sign is prominently affixed to the tractor, wagon or other equipment.

“Farmers need to make themselves visible. If they’re on a busy road and have additional help, have someone follow them in a pickup with the hazard lights flashing. Remember not to pull over to the edge of the road to let a vehicle pass because the edge of the road won’t support the weight of a tractor and now we have a rollover. Be sure to wear a seatbelt, too,” Freeman advised. “That will protect the tractor’s operator if there’s a rollover and provide protection if they are hit or in a crash with a motor vehicle. They’ll stay in their seat instead of bouncing around the cab.”

Freeman emphasized that Iowa’s drivers must be patient and not take risks on the roads, but instead safely “share the roadway.”

“There are fewer farmers in Iowa but not less farm ground, so there’s still going to be the need to safely share the roads in rural areas,” Freeman said.

Tips for the rural driver

• Slow down and keep your distance. Don’t assume that the farmer can pull over and let you pass. Shoulder conditions may make it unsafe for the farmer to pull heavy equipment to the side of the road.

• Be sure of the farmer’s intentions before passing. Don’t assume that a farm vehicle is turning right or pulling over to let you pass if it pulls to the right side of the road. A farmer may have to swing right in order to make a left turn. Wait until you know what the farmer is planning to do.

• Be patient and enjoy the scenery if you find yourself following a farm vehicle. Even if you have to follow a farm vehicle for a couple of miles, it will only take a few minutes of your time.

• Be especially alert in the evenings; farmers are returning from the fields and dusk makes farm vehicles more difficult to see.

Tips for the farmer

• Only allow licensed, or appropriately trained operators to take farm machinery onto the road. Youth who are able to operate machinery in the field may not be able to deal safely with traffic and other road hazards.

• Make sure farm machinery is equipped with the lighting and marking safety devices recommended by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and required by state and local laws. Be sure to remind all operators to use the appropriate hazard lights and turn signals when traveling on roads.

• Minimize total vehicle width and secure equipment in the transport position before entering roadways.

• Watch for approaching traffic and vehicles trying to pass. If possible, pull over and let traffic pass safely, but be alert for roadside hazards.

• Obey all traffic laws and signs.

• Signal intentions to motorists and avoid sudden or unexpected maneuvers.

• Exercise additional care when entering roadways, approaching unsigned or “blind” intersections, crossing narrow bridges, going around sharp corners or going over hills.