Rural Road Safety

Illinois farmers depend on rural roads to get from one field to the next. And every day, those same roads carry neighbors heading to work, families going to school and visitors traveling through our communities.

Sharing the road safely starts with understanding what it's like to be on the other side of the windshield.

Farm equipment is large, slow-moving and often difficult to maneuver. A farmer may need extra room to make a turn, may not be able to see a vehicle following too closely or may be preparing to enter a field that a motorist can't see. For drivers accustomed to traveling at highway speeds, coming upon a tractor or combine can happen faster than expected.

That's why patience, awareness and good decisions matter.

See the road from both sides.

Understanding what the other driver sees — and what they don't — can change the way you approach the next tractor, combine or line of traffic on a country road.

Spring Rural Road Safety
Planting season puts more farm equipment on Illinois roads. See what farmers and motorists should know before sharing the road this spring.

Harvest Rural Road Safety
Long days and busy roads are part of harvest. Learn how visibility, patience and awareness can help farmers and motorists safely navigate the season.

In the Blink of an Eye
A few seconds can make a life-changing difference. See why slowing down, staying alert and making safe choices around farm equipment matters.

If you're behind the wheel of farm equipment

Make yourself visible. Proper Slow Moving Vehicle emblems, reflective markings, hazard lights and turn signals help motorists recognize your equipment and anticipate what you're doing.

Think ahead about your route. When possible, avoid the busiest roads, peak traffic, poor weather and times of limited visibility.

Know what's around you. Use mirrors and regularly check traffic approaching from behind and ahead. Signal turns early so motorists have time to react.

Give traffic an opportunity to pass safely. When road and shoulder conditions allow, consider pulling over temporarily if vehicles begin to back up behind you.

If you're behind the wheel of a car

Slow down first. A Slow Moving Vehicle emblem is there for a reason. Farm equipment travels significantly slower than other traffic, so reduce your speed as soon as you see it ahead.

Give farmers room to see you. Don't follow equipment too closely. If you can't see the farmer's mirrors, the farmer may not be able to see you.

Don't assume it's safe to pass. Wait until you're certain you have enough visibility, distance and time. A farmer moving toward the right side of the road may actually be preparing to make a wide left turn into a field or driveway.

Expect the unexpected. Watch for turn signals, field entrances, intersections and changes in the width of equipment. A little patience can prevent a serious crash.

A few seconds can make a difference.

The farmer ahead has work to do. The motorist behind has somewhere to be. Both deserve to get there safely.

When we slow down, stay alert and understand what others are experiencing on the road, we help protect more than ourselves. We protect our neighbors, our families and the communities we share.

That's the advantage of having the right information when it matters.

Tips for Farmers

Do everything possible to alert motorists to the presence of your farm equipment and slow travel speed.
Plan travel to avoid rush hours, bad weather, the busiest roads, and the time before daylight and after dark.
Be obvious to motorists by proper use of reflective Slow Moving Vehicle emblems on any implement operated on public roadways. It’s the law!
Use reflective marking tape and reflectors at the extremities of equipment.
Turn on hazard lights mounted on farm equipment and turn off field work lights for all roadway travel.
Install mirrors that are wide enough for you to see what is following you.
Always use turn signals to indicate plans to turn into fields or driveways.
Be aware of traffic-oncoming, in front of you, and behind you.
If road and shoulder conditions are safe, pull over temporarily to allow traffic to pass.
Slow down on turns and curves. Check the traffic behind you.
Minimize the width of equipment as much as possible. You may not interfere with traffic in an adjoining lane.
When practical, truck larger equipment to the next location.

Tips for Motorists

Above all, slow down and be patient.
Reduce speed when encountering farm equipment on public roads. Flashing amber lights mean “caution.”
Slow down when you see the Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem-the orange and red reflective triangle warns you that the tractor or combine travels at a slow rate of speed.
Keep a safe distance from the farm equipment so farmers can see you. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
Pass wide, large farm equipment only if you know conditions are safe and you are sure the farmer will not be making a left-hand turn. Be cautious when pulling back in.
It is illegal to pass in a no passing lane or within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, or bridge.
Be prepared to yield to wide equipment.
Always wear a safety belt and heed the road’s speed limit.
Watch for the farmer’s indication of a turn. Newer equipment has one or more amber lights flashing rapidly to indicate a turn. Older equipment is typically not equipped with turn signals so watch for the farmer’s hand signals.