Stay alert during harvest time | News

Last year in Missouri there were 157 traffic crashes involving farm equipment.  One person was killed and 23 others were hurt.

This time of year there are more farm vehicles, including combines and tractors, on the roads. 

September 18-24 is Farm Safety and Health Week and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to be cautious, especially on rural highways.

The department offers these reminders:

Motorists:

• Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment
• When you come upon a tractor or other farm machinery, slow down and be patient.  Wait until there is no oncoming traffic before passing and never pass on a hill or curve
• Collisions commonly occur when trying to pass a left-turning farm vehicle.  Watch the farmer's hand and light signals carefully
• Pay close attention to farm equipment entering or leaving the highway from side roads
• Pay special attention at dawn and dusk

Farmers:

• Make sure farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a "slow moving vehicle" emblem
• Drive as far to the right as possible.
• If traffic accumulates behind you, pull to the side and allow them to pass
• If possible, never travel on roads at dawn or dusk
• Always use a seat belt