Motorists: stay alert and share the road with farm equipment this spring

With the arrival of warm weather and sunshine, planting season has officially begun for Hoosier farmers. As agricultural work ramps up, motorists can expect to see a significant increase in large, slow-moving farm equipment traveling along Indiana’s rural roads and highways.

In response, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and the Indiana State Police (ISP) have teamed up to issue a statewide reminder, encouraging all drivers to slow down, remain alert, and practice patience this spring.

The dangers of rural roadways during planting season are significant. According to the latest available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 20 occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana between 2020 and 2023, resulting in six tragic fatalities.

During the spring months, the most common types of agricultural vehicles motorists will encounter include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment, and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are exceptionally wide—often taking up the majority of the roadway—and typically travel at speeds of 25 mph or less.

To help prevent accidents, state officials have released the following safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:

• Be patient: Farmers will pull over to let motorists pass when they are able, but it may take time for them to reach a safe place to do so. Remember that farm equipment is wide and may take up most of the road.
• Pass with extreme caution: Never pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure, or tunnel.
• Watch for left turns: Do not try to pass slow-moving farm equipment on the left without ensuring the farmer is not planning a left turn. Because of the equipment's size, a farmer may appear to be pulling over to the right to allow a vehicle to pass when they are actually swinging wide to prepare for a left turn. Passing during this maneuver endangers both the driver and the farmer.
• Avoid tailgating: Farm equipment may need to make sudden stops along the road. Leave plenty of following distance.
• Plan ahead: Allow extra time to reach your destination, be aware of alternate routes, and eliminate all distractions while driving.

For a complete list of safety tips and more information, motorists can visit the ISDA website at www.in.gov/isda/programs-and-initiatives/planting-season-safety/.