Planting season: Safe driving reminders when traveling near farming equipment

JACKSON, Tenn.  — Planting season is here, and it’s important to practice safe driving around tractors and farming equipment on the roadways.

As planting season commences, roads across the region are seeing an increase in large farming equipment, such as tractors and sprayers. While these machines are vital to the agricultural process, they can create a safety hazard on the road.

We spoke with Joetta White, agrability area specialist with UT Extension, who shared some reminders for all road users this time of year.

“For drivers that get behind all this equipment, please have patience with them. They are going to their jobs just like you are going to your job or to your event, and they have to get there safely just like you need to as well,” said White.

Farmers also have a responsibility to make sure they are visible and practice safe driving. It’s important that all equipment is kept in good condition to prevent accidents.

“Farmers are supposed to have the slow moving vehicle sign on their equipment when they’re traveling the roads, so when you see those signs on an implement, you know they’re going to be going slower than you are, so that’s a sign right there to slow down,” said White.

Here are some safety reminders as you travel this season.

Refrain from passing on hills and tailgating, and also be patient as the equipment travels much slower.

“Leave a few minutes earlier, so incase you do come up on some of this equipment, you don’t have to rush around them,” said White.

Also be sure to look for hand signals or turning signals before attempting to pass any farming equipment.

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