Sharing the road with farmers

With the spring planting season once again going strong, the Illinois State Police this week reminded motorists to continue to use caution while traveling on rural roadways.
Rick Britton, District 12 commander, reminded motorists to be on the lookout for farmers as they move equipment from field to field.
"They will be traveling at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less," he said. "Drivers should be aware and prepared to slow down when encountering farm vehicles. We want this to be a safe season for motorists and farmers alike."
The following safety tips will help keep both groups safe as the planting season progresses.
• Farm machines, which travels at speeds of 25 mph or less, are required to have a slow-moving vehicle emblem mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
• If towing another piece of farm equipment, a slow-moving emblem must be mounted on the farm implement being towed.
• Motorists should not attempt to pass the farm equipment unless it is legal and safe to do so, even if the farm operator waves you around.
• If traffic begins to back up behind the farm implement, the operator should look for a place to pull over and allow traffic to pass.
• Farmers should avoid movements of farm machinery at sunrise and sunset. Visibility is more limited during those times.
• For motorists, reduce your speed immediately upon seeing a slow-moving implement in front of you.
• Maintain a safe driving distance, and be patient.
• Be prepared to share the road with an oversized farm vehicle. Make this planting season safer for everyone using Illinois roadways.