Keeping everyone safe on the road
Whether a person has been operating a tractor for decades or just recently acquired the skill, brushing up on tractor safety can be a good idea. Many times, farmers need to drive their tractors on roadways to get from one property to the next, this entails sharing the road with other vehicles. Fortunately, there are strategies farmers can implement to improve safety for themselves and others while driving on public roads.
According to Show-Me Farm Safety, there are several important safety measures to incorporate when operating a tractor.
Display SMV emblem
Laws vary from state to state. However, in Missouri, the law requires slow-moving vehicles to display a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem when driving on a public highway after sunset until a half hour before sunrise. According to Show-Me Farm Safety, a slow-moving vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is designed for use or normally operated at speeds less than 25 miles per hour.
The SMV emblem serves as a signal to other motorists. The SMV emblem should be displayed on the towing vehicle, implement, or vehicle itself to remind other drivers of the need for extra caution.
Lights and Signals
Utilizing the proper lights and signals on the tractor and/or implement when out on public roads is an important safety measure. According to Show-Me Farm Safety, farm tractors are required to possess two front headlights and a red taillight. The taillight should be visible for 500 feet in clear weather conditions.
Any equipment that is being towed must have two red reflectors on each side of the equipment. Additionally, tractors and farm trucks must use their hazard lights while driving on public roads.
Another way to keep it safe on the roads is to have a pilot car follow the tractor or slow-moving vehicle. The pilot vehicle should also be operating with hazard lights flashing.
Timing
Consider the time of day when operating a tractor on public roadways. Avoid busy times, bad weather, and being on the road after dark. Additionally, pay attention to whether traffic is stacking up behind the tractor, if it is, pull over at a safe convenient spot and let the traffic pass.
Implement Training
One area of safety farmers may sometimes overlook is training. “Whether it is your own family or hired workers, ag employers need to provide annual training on safe operating practices for tractors. Make sure all new employees receive this training prior to using tractors on your farm. Use a tractor operator checklist to review and record completion of this training,” Ryan Milhollin, Assistant Extension Professor, Agricultural Business Policy with University of Missouri Extension, explained.
There are numerous resources online that provide extensive checklists to guide farmers on personal safety precautions, proper tractor and equipment preparation and tractor operation instructions.
Youth Labor Laws
Youth are involved in many agriculture operations throughout the country. In some cases, youth are the ones behind the wheel of a tractor. There are laws producers should know about if they have youth working on their operation.
“It is important to understand youth labor laws and what they can and can’t do. Generally, workers under the age of 16 aren’t allowed to operate tractors unless parents own or operate the farm. Youth under 16 are typically limited to non-hazardous jobs,” Milhollin shared.
