Local Drivers Reminded to Watch for Farm Equipment

Officials are reminding drivers to be on the lookout for farm equipment along area highways.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says there were 40 injury crashes and 6 farm tractor-related fatal crashes in 2017. After planting delays due to weather conditions and flooding, area farmers are reportedly working long hours to get their crops in the ground.

Many crashes involving farm equipment occur when motorists attempt to pass slow-moving equipment and misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic, or are unaware that farm equipment is preparing to make a turn into a field or side road.  Drivers are asked to be patient whenever they encounter tractors and other farm equipment on the move.

Warmer temperatures mean more farmers will be out in the fields and on the road moving between fields. All drivers should be alert, and share the road with farm equipment.

Farming equipment travels at speeds no higher than 25 mph.  In some cases, multiple pieces of equipment being towed by a tractor may require even slower speeds for the tractor operator to maintain control while moving along area highways. 

Operators of farm equipment are also reminded to provide proper escort for large farm equipment, and to maintain flashing lights on all equipment that has to be moved along highways.  Farmers are also asked to pull over from time to time when the opportunity arises to allow backed up traffic to pass safely.