| Sharing the road with farmers may require patience |
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| ODOT News |
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For more information, contact Walt McAllister (503) 986-4187
Whether you’re enjoying a drive through western Oregon’s winery country or among eastern Oregon’s rolling wheat fields, you may suddenly come upon…a tractor. Or a combine. Or another large farming implement. And that means: it’s time to relax.
The Oregon Seed Council and the Oregon Department of Transportation have teamed up to help get the word out about what to do around farm vehicles on the road.
“We often forget that farmers have as much right to use the roads as the rest of us do,” said Walt McAllister of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safety Division and a weekend farmer. “Not only are they on the road legally, but their equipment can be far wider than what we’re used to seeing, and they can usually only go 15 – 25 miles per hour.”
McAllister’s advice: be patient. In fact, motorists should keep a few things in mind when farm equipment is on the road:
- Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re around. He may not be able to see in all directions, depending on the type of equipment he’s using.
- Even if the farmer sees you, he might not be able to get off the road right away.
- Farmers do know they hold up traffic and they will try to pull off the road as soon as they can do so safely.
- Motorists should not pass farm equipment unless they can see clearly ahead of the equipment. Drivers must also be aware that someone from behind may be trying to pass.
- Watch the operator for hand signals. Not all farm vehicles are equipped with brake and turn signal lights.
Grass seed farmer Nick Bowers adds, “Farmers have an important obligation to use safe practices on the road, too.” Bowers reminds farmers, ranchers and weekend farmers of these important guidelines and rules:
- Oregon law requires a slow moving vehicle reflector on any machine that travels the road slower than 25 mph.
- Edges of equipment should be marked with reflective tape and reflectors.
- When on the road, equipment should have front lights on and rear spotlights off.
- Avoid using highways during rush hours, bad weather and at night.
- If traveling considerable distances, use pilot cars in front and back, or consider hauling the equipment.
“Weekend farmers are a different challenge because our equipment is often smaller than the gear the big guys use,” said McAllister. “That’s why it’s so important to keep lights and signage in place and working perfectly – our lives depend on motorists seeing us early and having time to react safely.”
Overall, both motorists and farmers should use caution and courtesy, and pay special attention during the busy travel and farming seasons to make sure everyone stays safe.
“We all have a stake in safety around farm vehicles. Drivers are counting on me to be visible and predictable, and I’m counting on them to be cautious so we all make it home safe and sound,” Bowers said.
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