September 15, 2026
Q09152026

EMPHASIS: Stay Alert During 2026 Harvest Season!

In 2025, there were 163 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment/implements. In those crashes, one person was killed and 37 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 farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when travelling 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 travel lane. This is especially important on roadways that are narrow or have hills/curves that limit sight.
• Always drive as far to the right as possible.
• It's harder to see at dawn or dusk, please don't travel on the road during those times if possible.
• 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 while operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age.

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 driving behind a tractor or other farm machinery, slow down and be patient.
• Wait until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic to pass. Never pass on a bridge or when sight 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.
• 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.