MnDOT asks motorists, farm equipment operators to safely share the road during planting season

MANKATO, Minn. — Motorists traveling Minnesota roads this spring should watch for large farm equipment moving between fields and farms for planting season, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Over the past three years, at least 455 crashes involving farm equipment have occurred in Minnesota, resulting in eight deaths and 180 injuries.

“Our highways are needed by farmers to prepare and plant fields each spring and into summer. Most of those crashes occur during daylight hours, and sunrise and sunset can also reduce visibility of farm equipment. Drivers should slow down and prepare to encounter slow-moving farm vehicles, especially on rural, two-lane roads,” said Brian Sorenson, MnDOT state traffic engineer.

Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The equipment also makes wide turns and sometimes crosses over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles.

Motorists should:

Slow down and watch for farm equipment, particularly at dusk and dawn on two-lane rural roads
Use caution when approaching farm equipment
Watch for debris dropped by farm equipment
Drive with headlights on at all times
Wait for a safe place to pass

Farm equipment operators should:

Use lights as required, and flashing lights as allowed, to make equipment more visible
Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph
Check height of loaded vehicle to ensure it is below the legal height limit of 13 feet six inches. Vehicles or loads measuring over 13 feet 6 inches may require a permit from the agency that owns the road (county, state, or local). Specific bridge clearances are available online at mndot.gov/bridgepermitsrpt/content.aspx. For state permit requirements and information visit mndot.gov/cvo/oversize/index.html.
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