A small investment in new reflective and fluorescent tape for tractors and implements could boost safety this fall, says an Iowa State University agricultural engineer. When properly mounted, reflective tape can make it easier for other motorists to see you as you transport grain or equipment on public roadways. Hanna says road safety has become a critical issue for many farmers as people move to rural subdivisions, farm equipment gets larger and farm operations include fields in numerous locations. Collisions with farm vehicles are frequent, averaging nearly one major incident each day on Iowa's roads.
Materials are available at many implement dealers or farm supply stores.
He cautions farmers to mount strips properly because only red and orange are to be visible on the rear of a vehicle, while yellow is to be visible on the front. The new standards specify exactly where tape should be placed for maximum protection. He also encourages farmers to consider replacing faded SMV emblems at the same time they add reflective tape. For more information about placement of reflective tape on farm vehicles, contact your Iowa State University Extension county office. Before farmers head to the field this fall, they might consider using reflective tape to increase their visibility on the road.