Agriculture Secretary Reminds Motorists, Farmers to Use Caution on Rural Roadways

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 23 -- Rural roads will be bustling with activity in coming weeks and months as farmers head to their fields, making it especially important for farmers and motorists to use caution when driving on rural roadways, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today.

"Farmers necessarily travel on rural roadways in large tractors and farm equipment to access their fields," said Wolff. "Everyone shares the responsibility of keeping our rural roads safe. Whether operating a farm implement, or sharing the road with one, I urge farmers and motorists to exercise an abundance of caution on rural roadways, so that production agriculture may continue to thrive in Pennsylvania."

To help celebrate "Rural Roads Safety Week" in Pennsylvania, proclaimed as April 19-25 by Governor Edward G. Rendell, Wolff offered safety tips for drivers and farmers.

  Drivers should remember:

  --  Anticipate that, between April and November, farm equipment will be on
      the roads.
  --  Avoid rushing and leave in plenty of time to reach your destination.
  --  Slow down when you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem. The emblem is
      an orange triangle that is attached to vehicles moving at speeds of
      under 25 miles per hour.
  --  Use caution when passing farm vehicles, and do not pass if your view,
      or the view of oncoming vehicles, is blocked.
  --  Farm equipment is wide, heavy and noisy. Don't assume the farmer knows
      you are there. Before you attempt to pass, blow your vehicle's horn to
      alert the farmer.
  --  Never assume a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road
      is going to turn right, or that it is okay to pass.  Due to the size
      of some farm equipment, the farmer must move to the right before
      making a wide left turn.  Look for hand and light signals that may
      alert you the farmer is turning.
  --  Sometimes, farmers use large equipment such as combines.  If equipment
      is larger than the travel lanes, and you cannot pass safely, stop and
      let the equipment pass, then continue on your way.

  Farmers should remember:

  --  Before the growing season begins, check all equipment to ensure it is
      operating properly and review all safety procedures.
  --  Always keep slow-moving vehicle signs free of any dirt or debris, and
      replace reflective material as needed, normally every two to three
      years.
  --  Mark the edges of all equipment with reflective material to increase
      visibility.  Since reflective material on tractors may be blocked by
      the towed implement, it is important to edge all equipment rather than
      just the tractor.
  --  Install mirrors on older equipment for greater visibility of
      motorists.
  --  Ride with tractor lights on, but turn off rear spot lights when
      traveling on roadways, as they can be mistaken for headlights.
  --  If you have a large load, such as a combine, or are traveling a long
      distance, use pilot cars in front of and behind you.  The cars'
      drivers should use their four-ways and look for possible dangers.
  --  When travel on roadways is necessary, avoid rush hours and bad
      weather. Do not drive before sunrise and after sunset.
  --  Be courteous and pull off the road when it is safe to allow traffic to
      pass.