With the fall harvest in full swing, drivers are encouraged to be cautious of farm equipment on the roadways.
Farm machinery typically drives less than 25 MPH while on country roads. Farm equipment often is wider than one lane of traffic, and while operators will try and pull their equipment on to the shoulder, it sometimes is still too wide.
On average there are 275 farm equipment accidents in Illinois every year, data from 2016 indicates that in Knox County there were five accidents involving farm machinery. In Warren County, there were two accidents and in Henry County, there were four.
U of I extension Agricultural Safety Specialist Bob Aherin says that farm equipment must have working red taillights and two working headlights as well as at least one flashing amber light. It is also recommended to have flashing amber lights on the far right and left of tractors and implements that are visible to both the front and rear.
Farm machinery also must also have a slow-moving vehicle sign. It is also recommended to have retro-reflective tape, which is usually available with local farm bureau offices, farm equipment stores, or chemical dealers.
