Planting season has officially arrived for Hoosier farmers. With the warm weather and sunshine, Hoosier motorists will also see more large slow-moving farm equipment traveling Indiana’s rural roads and highways.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Transportation, and the Indiana State Police want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient on roadways this spring.
“Ensuring a safe planting season is a shared responsibility for all motorists,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “As a farmer, I know firsthand the dangers of transporting farm equipment on roads, and I encourage all Hoosiers to be patient while approaching large farm equipment so we all can get home safely to our families.”
From 2020-2023, 20 occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana which resulted in six deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*.
“Safety remains top priority at INDOT, and we are proud to partner with the Department of Agriculture this planting season,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “I encourage all drivers to buckle up, put the phone down, and share the road as you encounter farm equipment over the next several months. We all have jobs to do and places to be, and we want everyone to reach their destinations safely.”
While the term “farm equipment” encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter during planting season include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment, and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.
“With the onset of warmer weather, we will begin to see more and more farm machinery on our rural roads and highways,” said Anthony Scott, Indiana State Police Superintendent. “ Patience, courtesy, undivided attention, and understanding will help everyone get to where they need to be safely. Let’s all do our part to ensure our farmers enjoy a safe planting season.”
The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:
- Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists 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 road.
- Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
Do not try to pass slow-moving farm equipment on the left without ensuring that the farmer driving is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over to allow a vehicle to pass when the farmer is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
Additionally, avoid tailgating as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road. Allow plenty of time to get to a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.
For a list of safety tips, click here or visit www.in.gov/isda/programs-and-initiatives/planting-season-safety/
*2020-2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Administration is the latest available.