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October 15, 1999
Harvest reaps road safety concernsBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- Once again, harvest season has arrived and motorists and farmers, must be a little more cautious on the roadways. Motorists encounter e a greater number of farm implements on the roadways during the seasons of spring planting and fall harvest than at any other time of year. "Harvest time is a primary revenue time on some farms and is also one of the peak periods for farm injuries and deaths," according to the National Safety Council from information taken from the Farm Safety and Clearinghouse "It's a busy time and everyone wants to be on the roadway to get things done. The motoring public needs to be aware of the extra traffic. Typically the farm vehicles are moving slower than other traffic," said 27-year law enforcement veteran Brown County Chief Deputy Tim Brennan. An IOH, or implement of husbandry, travels at approximately 30 mph and is required to be marked with a slow moving vehicle emblem visible at a distance of 600 feet from its rear . Vehicles being towed must display the same emblem if they obstruct the towing vehicle's emblem. Today's farmers use larger equipment than those of yesteryears, Brennan noted. And the size of the implements plays a part in damage sustained if an accident occurs. "Accidents do happen and it's pretty substantial damage done, due to the equipment's size," said Brennan, "The accidents I've been to have been depth-perception problems -- you see the vehicle but you don't register they're going slower. When you realize something is there -- start slowing down right away." Brennan stressed the importance of people wearing seatbelts to prevent injuries and death. "We've been educating people about that for a while, and hopefully people will catch on," said Brennan. Farmers must comply with certain rules to be able to transport IOHs on the roadways. An IOH should stay to the right of the centerline, except when passing, or if proceeded by a registered motor vehicle equipped with operating front and rear hazard warning lights. "Farmers are required to have lights on their vehicles," said Brennan, "Typically farmers are good about lighting their vehicles." There are specific guidelines on the use of slow moving vehicle emblems and flashing lights for IOHs. An IOH is exempt, with some exceptions, from the size limitation if it is driven or towed at 25 mph. or less within a 75-mile radius of the farm and does not go on an interstate highway. An IOH is also exempt from most weight limitations, however, the weight on any wheel of an implement must not exceed 500 pounds per inch of tire width. The State Patrol recommends that motorist do not pass a slow-moving vehicle in a no passing zone . The State Patrol also recommends that motorists do not let the driver of the slow-moving vehicle or the IOH direct them. Motorists should judge for themselves if it is safe to pass. Passing should only be done legally and safely. The best advice from the State Patrol is to expect many additional farm vehicles out on the road in the spring and fall. Motorists should plan their schedule to accommodate any inconveniences which may arise. Call the Minnesota State Patrol at 1-888-472-3389 for any questions concerning farm vehicles and commercial vehicles.
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