As planting season continues across the state, increased farm equipment traffic on rural roads is prompting safety reminders for both motorists and producers.
According to UNL CropWatch, as of late April about 26% of the state’s corn crop and less than 20% of soybeans had been planted, meaning weeks of fieldwork and equipment moving to those fields is still ahead.
The added activity brings slow moving machinery onto roadways, which Custer County Sheriff Dan Osmond says requires extra awareness from everyone involved.
“It’s just that time of year where you get equipment moving up and down teh road that isn’t there all the time,” Osmond said. “They have a job they need to get done, and we need to remember to have a little bit of patience.”
The speed difference between farm equipment and vehicles on the road can become dangerous quickly. At 55 miles per hour, a vehicle can close a 400 foot gap with slow moving equipment in less than seven seconds, which leaves very little time to react.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down as soon as they see farm equipment rather than approaching quickly and slowing down quickly. Extra caution is important when passing, as tractors and implements may not always have turn signals and could be preparing to turn into a field entrance that isn’t immediately visible or obvious.
Osmond noted that safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and equipment operators, especially given the size and limited maneuverability of today’s machinery.
“Farm equipment is bigger than it every used to be. It’s huge pieces of equipment. So when they’re going down the road, they take up a lot of the road. They’re long, they’re wide,” Osmond said.
Farmers are also encouraged to ensure their slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems are clean and visible, to check that lights and flashers are working, using mirrors before turning, and considering hand signals when possible.
With planting season ongoing, overall officials say slowing down and staying alert are two main keys to everyone staying safe this spring.
Listen to our full conversation with Sheriff Osmond on KCNI Public Affairs here:
