Road Safety with Farm Equipment

Sometimes, you have to take to the streets with farm equipment in tow. Other times, you might be in your car or truck and see a tractor on the road. In both cases, preventing accidents is everyone’s top priority. Stay mindful of these farm equipment road safety tips when you’re out and about.  

Make Farm Equipment Visible with Lights and Flashers

• Verify that all lights and flashers on your farm vehicle are working properly.
• Use warning flashers, flags, lights and slow-moving vehicle emblems on all equipment.
• Apply reflective tape to machines to improve visibility for motorists at dusk.

• Avoid traveling before dawn and after dusk if you can. If you need to drive during these times, ensure that your headlights are working. Headlights help you see and be seen.

Tip for Motorists

Give tractors and combines plenty of room to operate. Expect them to take wider turns and even have to travel into both lanes to properly turn.

Remember Your Farm Vehicle’s Size

• Be mindful of the height of your farm equipment and avoid power lines, low bridges and other overhead obstacles.
• Check your towed equipment. All loads should be balanced and securely mounted.

Tip for Motorists

Don’t pull in front of farm equipment and suddenly slow down. The tractor may be towing heavy machinery, making quick stopping impossible.

Know Roads and When to Travel Them

• Use care when traveling on soft/gravel shoulders, narrow bridges, loose gravel, bumps and deep ruts. Your farm equipment will handle these conditions differently than most passenger vehicles.
• Whenever possible, avoid busy roads during high-traffic times.

Tip for Motorists

Be aware of slow-moving vehicles. Expect farm equipment and tractors to travel at a much slower rate — between 5 and 15 miles per hour.

Communicate with Fellow Motorists

• Use turn signals and hand signals whenever possible to communicate with fellow drivers.
• Obey all traffic laws.

Tip for Motorists

Watch for hand signals and other ways a farmer or rancher may try to communicate with you. They have a higher vantage point, and will often signal to you when it’s safe to pass.

Is Your Farm Vehicle Protected?

Avoid distractions and make safety a priority on the road. Whether you drive a truck or a tractor, your Farm Bureau agent can help you get the right coverage.