10 Reasons Why Drivers Need to Stay Alert in Rural Areas
Human error accounts for 94% to 96% of all auto accidents, according to a study administered by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. As harvest approaches, it's more important than ever for drivers to remain alert in rural areas where farm equipment is present.
Tawnie Larson, coordinator of the Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) program at Kansas State University, said accidents between vehicles and farm machinery are more likely to happen during planting and harvesting time because more equipment is likely to be on the roads.
“Most accidents are preventable,” Larson said in a release.
Not only can collisions between farm equipment and passenger vehicles result in pricey repairs, but in a worst case, also result in loss of life.
“Many accidents include passenger vehicles rear-ending machinery as it travels on the roadways or misjudging the width of equipment,” Larson said in a release. “Farmers do not like to drive machinery on the roads, but sometimes it is required to get equipment from one field to another.
Here are 10 reminders to help prevent accidents.
1. Be alert and avoid distractions.
2. Watch ahead for large equipment and trucks entering and exiting the road.
3. Slow down as soon as you spot a piece of equipment on the road.
4. Be aware of the orange triangular slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs.
5. Never pass farm equipment while in no-passing zones.
6. Use turn signals so the equipment operator knows that you are passing.
7. Watch for hand signals and other ways a farmer or rancher may try to communicate with you.
8. Give tractors and combines plenty of room to operate. Expect them to take wide turns and even travel into both lanes to properly turn.
9. Don’t pull in front of farm equipment and suddenly slow down. The tractor may be towing heavy machinery, making quick stopping impossible.
10. Be aware of slow moving vehicles. Expect farm equipment and tractors to travel at a much slower rate – between 5-15 miles per hour.
Those who operate farm equipment should make sure lights and flashers are working properly; know the height of the vehicle they’re driving; take care when traveling on public roads; and communicate with fellow motorists using whatever signals possible, Larson said.
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