It’s harvest season: MnDOT asks motorists, farm equipment operators to safely share the road
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Motorists traveling on Minnesota roads this fall should stay alert for large farm equipment transporting crops to markets, grain elevators and processing plants, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
“Fall harvest season brings more farm equipment to Minnesota highways as farmers move their crops from field to market. We’re all safer when we work together and watch out for one another. Motorists should always scan the road ahead and slow down as they approach farm equipment,” said Brian Sorenson, MnDOT state traffic engineer.
Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The equipment also makes wide turns and sometimes crosses over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles.
Motorists should:
- Slow down and watch for farm equipment, particularly between sunrise and sunset on two-lane rural roads
- Use caution when approaching farm equipment
- Watch for debris dropped by farm equipment
- Drive with headlights on at all times
- Wait for a safe place to pass
Farm equipment operators should:
- Use lights as required, and flashing lights as allowed, to make equipment more visible
- Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph.
- Check height of loaded vehicle to ensure it is below the legal height limit of 13 feet six inches. Vehicles or loads measuring over 13 feet 6 inches may require a permit from the agency that owns the road (county, state, or local). Specific bridge clearances are available online at mndot.gov/bridgepermitsrpt/Content.aspx . For state permit requirements and information visit mndot.gov/cvo/oversize/index.html .
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