Always watch for farm vehicles on rural roads, especially at planting and harvest. As soon as you see a slow-moving vehicle, start to apply brakes like you would when approaching a stoplight. 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.
Many people assume that collisions happen during bad weather or hazardous conditions.
The study showed nearly 80 percent of the collisions happened on dry roads. 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. When passing, make sure you can see the farm vehicle in your rear-view mirror before you get back in your lane. 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.