Keep planting season safe

By Globe Gazette

----

Any day now it's going to happen. As soon as the soil warms sufficiently, farmers will begin planting (if they haven't already).

That means some nonstop action in farm fields and oversized, slow-moving equipment on our roadways.

It's time for farmers and motorists alike to raise their awareness level a few notches, especially on heavily traveled roads.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach sent out a good reminder about safety at this busy time of year.

It said the percentage of fatal motor vehicle collisions involving farm equipment is five times higher than other vehicle collisions and that the farm vehicle operator was killed nearly twice as often as an occupant of the other motor vehicle.

Not surprisingly, the most common time for such accidents is between 4 and 8 p.m., with increased school and commuter traffic and farmers returning from fields.

Also not surprising is that the most common types of accidents are motorists rear-ending the slow-moving vehicles or when a motorist goes to pass and hits a farm vehicle turning left.

Extension officials say farmers must do their part by increased awareness of motor vehicles and by making their farm vehicles visible.

Make sure reflectors are in good shape and clean; that lights are working; and that faded “slow-moving vehicle” emblems are replaced.

As for motorists, the same goes for increased awareness, especially at dusk and dark. Some other Extension suggestions:

- Don't assume that a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road is going to turn right or is letting you pass.

- Be aware of driveways, gates or field entrances on your left as farm vehicles could be turning.

- Stay a safe distance behind farm vehicles and, most importantly, watch your speed. Most farm vehicles cannot travel more than 25 mph.

- Don't assume that a farmer is able to pull over to give you room to pass. Shoulders could be narrow or soft and not able to support the heavy farm equipment.

- Prior to passing a farm vehicle, make sure you have a clear view ahead as curves and hills can block your view.

- When passing, make sure you can see the entire farm vehicle in your rear-view mirror before you move back into the lane.

Farmers have been champing at the bit to get into their fields since the amazingly warm early spring days. As soon as Mother Nature allows, field work will hit high gear as North Iowa farmers do their part to add to Iowa's 2 billion-bushel grain harvest.

Here's to a safe planting season in the fields and on the roads and highways.

---