Hi, this is Chuck Burr, your University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Educator serving Phelps and Gosper Counties and the surrounding area.
With tractors, combines and other large equipment on the roads this harvest season, it is important that both farmers and passenger vehicle operators use extra caution.
The greatest threat when it comes to farm equipment and passenger vehicles is the difference in speed. Farm equipment transport speeds are usually less than 30 miles per hour while passenger vehicles on public roads may reach 60 miles per hour or faster.
A motor vehicle at 60 miles per hour overtaking and striking a tractor at 20 miles per hour is the same impact as hitting a brick wall at 40 miles per hour. If the tractor and a car, mini-van or pickup collide head on, the impact is the same as hitting a brick wall at 80 miles per hour.
Farmers can reduce the chances of an accident by using warning lights, reflectors and reflective tape on their machinery to keep passenger vehicle drivers aware of their presence on roads. Some farmers may choose to install additional lights to increase visibility. It also is a good idea for farmers to keep off heavily traveled roads as much as possible and avoid moving equipment during the busiest part of the day.
However, other drivers also need to take responsibility. Passenger vehicle drivers need to think about what they are doing at all times and should not talk on cell phones while driving. A large number of roads traveled by farmers have loose gravel and soft shoulders or no shoulders at all. Therefore, passenger vehicle drivers should slow down and avoid quick turns or fast braking that could cause them to lose control of the vehicle.
Some farm equipment, such as combines, can take up more than half of the road, making it even more important that both drivers are aware of their own limitations and adjust accordingly.
Farmers should not take up more space than is needed, but other drivers should try to provide as much room as possible. It also may be a good idea for passenger vehicles to turn off onto side or field roads until larger machinery has passed.
Whenever possible, farmers should use an escort vehicle such as a pickup to precede or follow large machinery and equipment on public roads. More than one escort may be necessary. Ideally, the escort vehicle would have extra warning lights and a sign indicating oversized or slow equipment ahead or following.
