The Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other agencies are urging caution on area roads as the harvest season gets underway

MoDOT reminds you to pay extra attention to slow-moving farm equipment using and crossing roadways in Missouri.

“Harvest season is a busy time of the year for Missouri’s farm families, and MoDOT wants to make it a safe time of year too,” said MoDOT Traffic and Highway Safety Engineer Eileen Rackers. “Tractors, trucks and other farm equipment are slow moving, and motorists may be surprised when they come up behind one on a Missouri highway.”

Missouri’s 34,000 miles of state roadway pass alongside the fields of thousands of farms throughout the state. Motorists are advised to slow down when approaching farm vehicles. Be patient as the farm vehicles travel to their field entrances. In passing zones, please wait until it is safe and pass at a safe distance and speed.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to expect heavier farm machinery traffic–especially on rural highways. Farmers and motorists are encouraged to share the road in a safe, courteous manner.

MOTORISTS
* Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment.
* When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.
* Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, instead may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.
* Pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways.
* Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.

FARMERS
* Make sure any farm equipment being driven on Missouri roadways is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem.
* Drive as far to the right as possible.
* If traffic accumulates behind you on a road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, you should pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so the vehicles can pass.
* If possible, never travel on roadways at dawn or dusk when it is more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see.
* Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.
* Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends all operators to wear a safety helmet regardless of age.

Farmers are encouraged to review the regulations that pertain to farm vehicles and the transportation of goods. These regulations include, but are not limited to:
**If crossing state lines, farm vehicle drivers should be aware of the regulations for the jurisdictions in which they operate.
**Farm vehicles operated only within Missouri must display the farm name and its location if the vehicle bears a “local” license plate with the “F” tab.
**The driver of a farm vehicle must be at least 18 years of age if operating with Missouri; 21 years of age if crossing the state line.
**Those driving farm vehicles should familiarize themselves with the regulations regarding DOT physicals and commercial driver licenses when applicable.
**Permits must be obtained from MoDOT if you are traveling on an interstate and your vehicle or load is over the normal size and weight requirements.
** Any vehicle or combination of vehicles hauling grain or grain co-products during times of harvest may be as much as, but not exceeding, 10 percent over the maximum weight limitation allowable while operating on highways other than the interstate highway system. The provisions of Section 304.180 RSMo. shall not apply to vehicles operated and operating on the interstate.