View from the Cab: Sharing the road

Activity is picking up in rural Illinois as farmers are hooking up their planters and backing equipment out of the shed.

As of this writing, we are still waiting to see the first sprayers or tractors in the field but that time could come any day which means this is the perfect opportunity to remind you about farm safety.

I always enjoy sharing the safety tips found on the bottom of a brochure published a few years back by the Illinois Farm Bureau in cooperation with the Secretary of State, Illinois Sheriff’s Association and the Illinois High School & College Driver Education Association.

Here are tips for motorists to remember this spring:

-Reduce speed when encountering farm equipment on the road.

-Keep a safe distance from farm equipment.

-Slow down when you see the Slow Moving Vehicle emblem on a piece of machinery.

-Be ready to yield to wide equipment.

-Watch for the farmer’s indication of a turn either by flashing amber lights or hand signals.

Farmers should remember the following:

-Plan travel to avoid rush hour or bad weather.

-Use reflectors and reflective marking tape.

-Turn on all hazard lights mounted on equipment.

-Always use signals to indicate turns.

-Minimize the width of equipment as much as possible.

Let’s all do our part to stay safe this spring – whether you are a motorist or a farmer and happy planting!

(The View from the Cab blog is powered by Petersen Motors of Fairbury)