Pennsylvania farmers are returning to their fields for spring planting, which means that drivers should be alert for large farm equipment on rural roadways. During Rural Roads Safety Week, from April 18 to 24, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and Pennsylvania State Police to spread the message of staying safe on rural roads during the height of the spring planting season. These organizations offer an annual safety campaign in observance of Rural Roads Safety Week.
Rural roads serve as connectors for both farmers and rural residents. They are essential infrastructure that facilitate marketplace interaction, business growth, and opportunities.
Drivers are asked to remain patient when following farm equipment and keep a safe distance. By slowing down and using caution and common sense, drivers can avoid costly crashes and save lives.
Farm equipment can legally be operated on roadways, including at night, but farmers are required to follow certain safety guidelines depending on the size of equipment moved. All farm equipment that travels at speeds less than 25 miles per hour is required to have a slow-moving vehicle emblem - an orange triangle with a red outline - on the back of the equipment.
If drivers see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, it is a sign to slow down immediately. Drivers should be alert that farm equipment may be turning at an unexpected place, such as into a field, and that equipment that pulls to the right may be making a wide left turn. Always be sure the oncoming lane is clear and visible before passing large equipment, and never pass in a no passing zone or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.
To learn more, visit http://www.pfb.com/ruralroadsafety.
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