Every year farmers are killed or injured in accidents while moving their tractor and other farm equipment along roadways. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 231 accidents in Missouri involving farm vehicles in 2011, killing three drivers and injuring 17 others.

Under Missouri law, farm equipment traveling under 25 miles per hour must display slow-moving vehicle reflector emblems and have proper lighting to increase visibility. As well, drivers must constantly be aware and alert of the possibility they may encounter farm machinery on the roadways. Of course, this is even more important to be mindful of during planting and harvesting seasons.

University of Missouri Extension offers additional recommendations. Many of the tips involve increasing the visibility of the farm equipment. For instance, when driving farm machinery on a road or highway, display a red flag measuring 12-14 feet high atop a pole so that the machine can be seen even when hidden by a rise or curve in the roadway. Also, turn your headlights on, but turn off rear spotlights, which can be mistaken for headlights.

Please pay attention to safety, and arrive alive.

The post Sharing the Road with Farmers appeared first on Gump & Faiella, LLC | Missouri.