KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — With the start of harvest season, motorists should expect to see farm equipment from Indiana’s farms on roadways. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann , Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police have teamed up to bring attention to the need for safety on Indiana’s rural roads.

“While motorists cruise the beautiful rural roadways of Indiana this fall, they should be aware of farm equipment using those roads during harvest season,” Lt. Governor Ellspermann said. “It is incredibly important to get this message out to ask all drivers to have patience and drive safely around slow-moving vehicles. I encourage all Hoosiers to be mindful and alert for farm equipment on roadways this harvest season.”

The following tips will help ensure the safety of motorists, passengers and operators of slow moving equipment:

• Farmers on roadways are going to or from work, just like many other people on the road.
• Most farmers will pull over when they are able to let you pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so. Be patient.
• Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway. Be careful when passing. 
• The red triangle on the back of an implement, farm machinery or other vehicle indicates a slow-moving vehicle (under 25 mph).
• If you’re driving 55 mph and come upon a tractor that’s moving 15 mph, it only takes five seconds to close a gap the length of a football field between you and the tractor.

Do not try to pass a slow moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.

“As our farmers are working to bring in this year’s crop, we want to remind all Hoosiers of farmers’ increased presence on the roadways,” ISDA Director Ted McKinney said. “We want to reinforce to motorists that these farmers have every right to use the roadway, too. Waiting a few minutes to safely pass or for the driver to pull over will not impact their drive substantially, and they will get to their destination unharmed.”

For more information about agriculture safety in Indiana, visit: www.getprepared.in.gov.