By Blake Jackson
As planting season begins across Pennsylvania, motorists traveling on rural roads are being reminded to stay alert and exercise caution around large, slow-moving farm equipment.
Warmer weather brings increased agricultural activity, making it more common to encounter tractors and other machinery on roadways.
In recognition of Rural Roads Safety Week, April 12-18, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), along with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), is urging drivers to prioritize safety.
The annual campaign focuses on raising awareness about sharing the road responsibly during the busy spring season.
“Farmers make the safety of other motorists a top priority when we must move equipment on the roadway and we ask that drivers help keep us safe as well,” said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman.
“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. We just ask that drivers remain patient when following farm equipment and keep a safe distance. By slowing down and using caution and commonsense, drivers can avoid costly crashes and save lives.”
“Rural roads are a critical route for getting food to all our tables,” Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Lisa Graybeal said.
“For your safety, and for the safety of everyone who must share our roads, please be alert and patient as you travel across Pennsylvania this season. Slow down and take time to enjoy the beauty of Pennsylvania and the bounty Pennsylvania farmers put on our tables every day.”
Preliminary PennDOT data shows 85 crashes involving farm equipment last year, including one fatality and nine serious injuries. Officials stress that safety is a shared responsibility.
“Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” said PennDOT District 6 Executive Din Abazi.
“We must all use caution when driving on rural roads, especially in the spring and summer months when farm vehicles are most common on these roadways. Please avoid distractions, never drive impaired, and buckle up for a safe drive.”
Drivers should remember that farm equipment can legally operate on public roads and often travels below 25 mph, marked by a Slow-Moving Vehicle sign. Staying patient, maintaining distance, and passing only when safe are key to preventing accidents.
Photo Credit: gettyImages-shaunl
Categories: Pennsylvania, Equipment & Machinery, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety