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Last year, there were 83 crashes involving farm equipment in Pennsylvania, resulting in two fatalities and six suspected serious injuries.
During Rural Roads Safety Week, which runs through Saturday, the state Farm Bureau and its partners in state government are reminding drivers to be cautious as farmers return to their fields for spring planting.
Farm equipment can legally be operated on roadways, including at night, though farmers are required to follow certain safety guidelines depending on the size of equipment moved. All farm equipment that travels at speeds less than 25 miles per hour is required to have a Slow-Moving Vehicle emblem on the back of their equipment.
If drivers see the Slow-Moving Vehicle emblem, it is a sign to slow down immediately. It takes only five seconds to close a gap the length of a football field if a vehicle is driving 55 miles per hour and a tractor is moving at 15 miles per hour.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman said farmers make the safety of other motorists a top priority when moving equipment on the road.
"We don't want to cause an inconvenience to anyone and will often pull over to allow others to pass when it's safe to do so," he said. "We just ask that drivers remain patient when following farm equipment and keep a safe distance. By slowing down and using caution and common sense, drivers can avoid costly crashes and save lives."
"Rural roads are the critical link from farm-to-table," Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said, urging drivers to be alert, be patient and share the road safely.