 Because of unseasonably warm and dry weather, many farmers were able
to finish their field preparations early this year and now are ready
to get started planting. That means the farm traffic on rural
roadways will increase drastically the next few weeks, much sooner
than usual.
"Fieldwork got off to an early start this year because of the
mild weather," said Bob Flider, acting director of the Department of
Agriculture. "I want to encourage motorists to drive carefully and
to be alert for slow-moving farm vehicles on rural roadways until
the work is complete."
According to the Illinois Field Office of the National
Agricultural Statistics Service, soil temperatures are warm enough
for planting. Most farmers simply are waiting for the "go date," or
the earliest planting date that their crop insurance policies allow,
before proceeding. For much of the state, that was Friday.
Some planting has already occurred. The field office reported
Thursday that 5 percent of the corn crop is in the ground.
"Living in rural Illinois, I know how important and vital a safe
distance and visibility is between heavy farming equipment and the
motoring public," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann
Schneider. "We advise all drivers to prepare for the upcoming
planting season and continue to share the road, remain focused, slow
down and obey posted speed limits."
Studies show that left-turn, rear-end and passing collisions are
the most common types of accidents involving motorists and farm
machinery.
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The departments suggest the following
tips to keep motorists safe when encountering farm vehicles:
-
Pay attention and
don't drive distracted.
-
Slow down when
encountering slow-moving vehicles.
-
Pass with extreme
caution.
-
Allow extra room
when following farm equipment.
-
Be patient. A
farmer can't always move over to let motorists pass.
-
If you can't see the driver, the driver
can't see you. Farm machinery operators may not be able to see
you because the large equipment or a load can block part of
their rear view.
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Agriculture and
Illinois
Department of Transportation news release received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
 |
