Fall is officially here, which means it's harvest season and motorists may find themselves sharing the road with large farm equipment.  The Minnesota Department Of Transportation urges everyone to drive with caution so the roads will be shared safely.

MNDot reminds us that farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The machines also make wide turns and sometimes cross over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles. All of these factors can cause serious crashes.

In order to avoid crashes and fatalities, everyone should follow these driving tips:

Motorists:

  • Watch for debris dropped by trucks hauling sugar beets and other crops. It is safer to brake or drive through debris than to veer into oncoming cars or off the road.
  • Wait for a safe place to pass.
  • Wear seatbelts
  • Drive with headlights on at all times.

Farm equipment operators should:

  • Use lights and flashers to make equipment more visible.
  • Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph.
  • Consider using a follow vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night.

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