|
"Agriculture is one of Illinois' most
important
industries. Farmers are out in full-force.and that
means we need motorists to be patient, " said IDOT Secretary Timothy
W. Martin. "We are urging motorists in rural areas to be on the
watch for farm equipment. We are encouraging you to slow down
if you see farm equipment out on the road."
Last year ten fatalities were reported from farm
vehicle crashes in Illinois, one more than the
previous year. There's been an average of 243 crashes a year over
the last four years involving farm equipment on Illinois roads,
resulting in 22 deaths and 312 injuries.
"Farmers don't want to slow down traffic anymore than motorists want
to be stuck behind them," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said.
"But, it's absolutely essential that farm and non-farm vehicles
share the roadway. Agriculture is vital to our economy, and farmers
have a limited time in which to harvest their crops."
As of September 1, 2004, all vehicles using public
roads exclusively for agricultural purposes are
required to use a new Slow Moving Vehicle emblem that is brighter
and longer lasting than previous ones. These triangular SMV
emblems serve as a caution to motorists that the vehicle they are
overtaking will likely be moving at a rate of speed, much slower
than their own.
Also, IDOT is issuing permits that will allow for
overweight axles on trucks transporting agricultural
products from the field to elevators during the
harvest season. The permits are good for a limited time only and are
not valid on interstates or non-state highway routes. Drivers
interested in getting a permit may obtain an application from IDOT's
Web site at www.dot.state.il.us
[News release]
 |
 |
Send a link to a friend