Letter to the Editor: That time of year again

To the Editor:

Once again, it seems that roads are becoming very busy with farm equipment. It is the season when ag equipment will be traveling area roads more frequently, as local farmers begin to harvest the crops.

So, as you drive to work or are just on a weekend road trip, please take extra caution and pay attention for farm equipment. They are only traveling at one-third to half the speed of most vehicles on the road.

Here are some tips to keep you and them safe on the roads. Pay attention to their flashing amber lights, these are their way of telling you they are slower than you and also which direction they are possibly going to be turning for a driveway. If you pass on the highway, be courteous and move over and do it in a marked passing zone because it is the law, even if you’re just passing a tractor! 

Nothing is more scary than when a vehicle goes by at 60 mph and seems to be right beside you and you all of a sudden need to move over too because of a mail box or you are trying to avoid a big pot hole in the shoulder that could possibly break an axle if hit just wrong and there is no room to move because someone is about to hit your tractor. Speaking of shoulders, no, it is not a requirement that we drive the shoulder. Even though it may be more convenient for you, it is sometimes far safer for farm equipment to travel the paved surface because of dry, dusty conditions that make it extremely hard for drivers in both directions to see what is following or coming at you.

A year ago, Allamakee County Farm Bureau started a program call ”Think First,” which stands for (Farm Industry Road Safety Training). Allamakee law enforcement, local high school students and implement dealers participated either by supplying machinery, camera equipment or by editing the video which was produced. The video has been used to educate motorists and farmers alike of ways to safely operate on public roadways around farm equipment.

Farmers, remember to check all your safety equipment regularly and make sure that lights and flashers are properly working and SMV (slow moving vehicle) signs are bright and visible for all to see. Use your turn signals when needed, mirrors and good common sense when operating your equipment all year long, not just in the busiest times of the year.

Once again, to all who will be traveling local roadways, whether pavement or gravel, stay alert and safe and always “THINK FIRST”! We all want to be able, at the end of the day, to go home to our families!

Mark Stock
Waukon