As combines roll through fields and crops make their way from fields to market, Alabama drivers should expect to share rural roadways with farmers and farm equipment this fall.

“Farmers have spent months growing corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Now, it’s time to get those crops out of the field and into the hands of people who depend on them. Farmers are providing for the folks they share the road with. Those drivers have places they need to get to safely, and their farmer friends do, too.”

Parnell said farmers try to avoid moving machinery during high-traffic times and pull over to allow cars to pass. However, some congestion is inevitable due to speed limitations of farm equipment. He encourages all drivers to be alert, slow down and practice patience. 

“We know our neighbors are in a hurry to get to school, work or other appointments,” Parnell said. “Saving a few minutes is not worth endangering yourself, the farmer or other drivers by passing on a solid yellow line, swerving around a tractor or approaching slow-moving vehicles at high speed.”

Parnell said drivers can quickly close the distance between a vehicle and farm equipment. It takes just 5 seconds for a car moving 55 mph to close a gap the length of a football field with a tractor moving 15 mph.

To stay safe on the roads, drivers should:

• Slow down when they see a piece of agricultural equipment. Most farm equipment is designed to travel 15 to 25 mph.

• Watch for slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs. The orange triangles identify vehicles traveling less than 25 mph. 

• Look for electronic or hand turn signals. A tractor veering right does not necessarily mean the operator is pulling over to allow vehicles to pass. Large farm equipment often requires extra room to make wide turns.

• Pass farm equipment cautiously. Even when passing safely and legally, machinery may sway.

• Keep all tires on the road. Expect equipment operators to do the same. Driving with one set of tires on loose-surface shoulders increases risk of rolling over.

• Watch for flashing amber lights. This often marks the far right and left of farm equipment. Also watch for reflective tape marking extremities and sides of equipment. 

Always remember agricultural vehicle operators have a right to drive equipment on the road.

National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 21-25. Click here to learn more about farm safety priorities.