HARVEST TIME: Be Aware On The Roadways

As the 2012 growing season is coming to an end, the Iowa Department of Transportation is reminding drivers they may see an increase in farm vehicles on the road. Sharing the road with slow-moving equipment is not ideal, but during harvest time, all drivers should exercise caution on Iowa’s roadways.

A total of 198 crashes involving farm equipment occurred in 2011 according to DOT reports. Seven of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

To avoid more of these accidents in 2012 the DOT advises motor vehicle drivers to give their full attention to the road at all times and allow for additional space between themselves and the car ahead of them. Slow down and be patient when a farm vehicle is in sight.

They also advise farm vehicle operators to use appropriate signals, drive in the right-hand lane, avoid signaling motorists to pass, and pull over in a safe area to let traffic go by.