MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Capt. Scott B. White
(573) 526-6115
Q992024
September 10, 2024
EMPHASIS: Stay Alert During Harvest Season!
In 2023, there were 201 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment/implements. In those crashes, four people were killed and 46 were injured. Missouri has entered the fall harvest season and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are likely to encounter each other on any roadway, at any time of the day or night. Whether you are driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, these crashes can be prevented by paying attention to the full-time job of driving and obeying all traffic laws.
Farmers
* Make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway. Be sure the lights and reflective materials are clean and free of debris to be visible.
* Utilize escort vehicles to warn motorists when moving equipment that is wider than the lane of travel. This is especially important on roadways that are narrow or have hills/curves that limit sight distance.
*If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass.
*Always drive as far to the right as possible.
*It's harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don't travel on the road during those times if possible.
* 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 a "slow-moving vehicle" emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age.
Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways during periods of darkness for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating farm machinery equipped with a roll-over protection structure.
Drivers:
* Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment.
* When you drive 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 bridge or when sight distance is limited by 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, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.
* It's important that you 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 to see.
Traffic safety is everyone's responsibility. It's that simple.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is hiring! The Patrol offers over 60 career paths. For all current openings, visit
https://bit.ly/MSHPCareers
or to apply for trooper or commercial vehicle officer positions, visit
www.joinmshp.us
to apply today.
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Twitter @MSHPTrooperGHQ
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