Farm equipment can present significant risks on the road, as it is often slow-moving and large. These factors can create conditions that cause accidents, leading to serious injuries, death and extensive property damage. As a farm equipment operator, it is essential for you to take steps to improve roadway safety and reduce risks while operating farm equipment. Such measures include the following:

• Know the size, weight, capabilities and blind spots of your equipment. Review and follow the operator’s manual and any safety decals on the equipment.
• Inspect your equipment, including its tires, lights, brakes, reflectors, wiring, flashers and signals, before taking it on the road.
• Ensure the “slow-moving vehicle” emblem is in place and visible and affixed to trailers when needed.
• Wash your windows and remove anything that may obstruct your view before heading out.
• Ensure hitched equipment does not obscure lights, signage or vision, and consider utilizing a camera system to see motorists behind you.
• Evaluate conditions before driving and avoid driving at night, in low light, in high traffic and in poor weather.
• Know the route you will take, including where sharp curves, railroad crossings, potholes, bridges, power lines, ruts, soft shoulders, closed roads or loose gravel may create safety hazards.
• Balance and secure loads before driving.
• Utilize a pilot escort vehicle that is equipped with proper signage and meets all applicable regulations to create a buffer with other traffic.
• Follow all farm equipment and road operation laws, including driving laws and stop and yield signs, and remain in your lane.
• Yield to and safely pull over for oncoming traffic on narrow roads. If cars are lined up behind you, find a suitable shoulder and safely pull over for them to pass.
• Apply reflective tape to your equipment.
• Lock brake pedals together for road travel.
• Turn on your hazard lights briefly before turning, and then use your turn signals. Slow down when turning, approaching hills or rounding curves, and use extra caution when turning left, making sure to physically turn your head to look backwards before and while making the turn.
• Drive on a paved highway’s shoulder when possible, but avoid driving partially on the shoulder and partially on the paved lane.
• Remain alert, know your surroundings, wear your safety belt, and avoid distractions and driving while tired.
• Put a combine head on a trailer to transport it instead of leaving it on the combine.
• Do not permit extra riders in farm equipment.
• Do not travel on roads with a loaded front-end loader.

Working safely is everyone’s responsibility. Implementing these strategies can reduce risks while operating farm equipment on the road.

As harvest season gets underway, preparation is key, not only for your crops and equipment, but also for safety. Having a fire extinguisher in your combine is a simple yet critical precaution that can help stop a small issue from becoming a devastating loss. With dry fields, long hours, and machinery running at full capacity, the risk of fire is real. By keeping an extinguisher on hand and making it part of your regular safety checks, you protect your equipment, your livelihood, and your family’s future.