MCLEAN COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD) — Illinois is the soybean powerhouse of the country, and it also produces the second most corn, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and with that many crops means a lot of harvesting.
More harvesting will come with more farming vehicles on the road, which can create a hazard if you are not aware. If you approach a farm vehicle, its best practice to slow down and be patient.
“Definitely approach with caution in terms of… making sure that you give them enough space. Don’t follow too closely and realize that they’re going to be going much slower than you,” said Rodney Knittel, associate director of transportation and infrastructure for the Illinois Farm Bureau.
It is also important that you make sure the farmer is aware of you before passing. If they pull over, or they wave you on, that’s a good sign that they know you are there and are letting you pass.
“Typically, we can see there’s usually a mirror in those vehicles or they’ll pull over if they recognize that you’re there, as well, to give you that space to be able to go. Make sure that you try to have some kind of contact, either through the mirror or visual contact with the farmer,” said Knittel.
Another hazard that may come when interacting with farm vehicles is turning. When a farm vehicle is turning, it may swing out into the lane next to them to clear the turn. When this happens, make sure you are clear out of the way. Those trucks may turn into field entrances as well.
“Realize that they’re entrances and exits can be many different places. We’re not just going to turn in intersections. We’re going to maybe turn in a field left or right. And so out in the rural roads, you know, if we’re going to pass, we need to definitely do that with caution,” he said.
In the end, keeping clear, being aware, and slowing down will keep you and farmer safe when interacting on the road.
“If we can both kind of share the road and slow down at the same time, it would be very, very, very helpful for the farmer and yourself that no side collisions are going to happen as well,” he said.
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