NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. J. Tim Hull

(573) 526-6115

August 23, 2006

EMPHASIS: It’s Harvest Time!



Soon, it will be harvest time in Missouri. This time of the year offers special challenges for travelers on Missouri roadways. Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. Motorists should be aware that farm machinery traffic will be heavier than normal during harvest time--especially on rural highways.



“Last year, two people were killed and 82 were injured in traffic crashes involving machinery,” said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Motorists and farmers can share the road safely. Both must stay alert to changing traffic patterns during the harvest season. If the routes you travel are near farmland, slow down and drive courteously.”



Following are reminders for safe travel during the harvest:



MOTORISTS



* Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment.

* When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.

* Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, instead may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.

* Pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways.

* Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.





FARMERS



* Make sure any farm equipment being driven on Missouri roadways is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem.

* Drive as far to the right as possible.

* If traffic accumulates behind you on a road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, you should pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so the vehicles can pass.

* If possible, never travel on roadways at dawn or dusk when it is more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see.

* Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.

* Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and SMV emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends all operators to wear a safety helmet regardless of age.





GENERAL



* Never allow children to ride as an extra passenger on lawn mowers, tractors, other farm equipment, or all-terrain vehicles. It is very easy for them to be flung from the vehicle in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

* Children should not ride in the open bed of pick-up trucks. It is a violation of Missouri law for a person under age 18 to ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck.