September marks the beginning of a busy harvest season across South Dakota. As farmers spend long days bringing in crops, more tractors, combines, grain carts and other equipment will be traveling between fields.
For drivers, sharing the road safely starts with understanding just how differently farm equipment moves. SDSU Extension notes that much of the farm equipment traveling on roadways moves between 15 and 25 mph, meaning a vehicle traveling at highway speed can close the distance quickly.
Know what to expect
The orange slow-moving vehicle emblem (SMV) is a signal that you're approaching equipment traveling at a slower speed. Large farm equipment may take up more of the roadway, limit visibility and require extra room to maneuver. It may also need to move toward the right side of the road before making a wide left turn, so don't assume that means it's safe to pass.
A few simple choices can make a difference
SDSU Extension encourages motorists to use extra vigilance when sharing the road with agricultural equipment during harvest. Drivers can do their part by:
- Slowing down when approaching farm equipment.
- Leaving plenty of following distance.
- Putting away distractions.
- Passing only when there is a clear view of the road ahead.
- Watching for turn signals and giving large equipment room to maneuver.
Harvest is one of the busiest and most demanding times of year in agriculture. Farmers often have a limited window to get crops out of the field, making travel between fields a necessary part of the job.
For consumers, safely sharing the road is a simple way to support the people doing that work. A few extra minutes on the road can help South Dakota farmers bring in the harvest and help everyone get where they're going safely.