Farm Equipment Accidents - Road travel by teens
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Teach your teens about driving defensively when farm equipment may also be on the roadway. You should know that fall is the time when a greater number of accidents happen. The Iowa State Extension Office puts out a flier on how to share the road with farm vehicles.
Here are some of the tips they give on how to avoid some of the more common collisions or wrecks:
Left-turn collision
Defensive driving tips:
-Is it really turning? Don't assume a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road is going to turn right, or is letting you pass. Check the operator's hand signals.
- Is there a turn signal? A flashing light on a tractor that suddenly stops flashing is a turn signal. Slow down when you see this signal.
-Where could it turn? Check the left side of the road for gates, driveways, or any place a farm vehicle might turn.
Rear-end collision
Defensive driving tips:
-Be alert. Always watch for farm vehicles on rural roads, especially at planting and harvest.
-Slow down immediately. As soon as you see a slow-moving vehicle, start to apply brakes like you would when approaching a stoplight.
-Keep your distance. Stay a safe distance behind farm vehicles. Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at speeds greater than 25 miles an hour. Even when towed behind a truck, equipment such as sprayers and fuel tanks often travels less than 25 miles an hour.
Passing collision
Defensive driving tips:
-Be patient. Don't assume the farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or they may not be able to support a heavy farm vehicle.
-Make sure you're clear. When passing, make sure you can see the farm vehicle in your rear-view mirror before you get back in your lane.
-Enjoy the drive. Even if you have to slow down to 20 miles an hour and follow a tractor for two miles, it takes only six minutes of your time, about the same as waiting for two stoplights.
Stay alert, play it safe - don't blow it you're only a teenager once.