Time to Drive with an Eye to Farm Equipment

(KNSI) – In addition to kids, other vehicles, and deer, now is the time to be on the lookout for farmers on the move on rural roads. Accident data shows there were 455 crashes involving farm equipment in Minnesota from 2022 to 2024, resulting in eight deaths and 180 injuries.

Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, says to give farmers a break, “Everybody’s in a hurry and we want to get somewhere, but if you see a farmer on the road, give him time, give him space, you’ll get where you’re going. It’s incredibly important. Farmers are under a lot of stress. So, I always say, give ’em a lot of room.”

The Minnesota Department of Transportation recommends motorists slow down and watch for farm equipment during harvest season, particularly between sunrise and sunset on two-lane rural roads. Also use caution when approaching farm equipment, drive with headlights on, and wait for a safe place to pass.

The challenges are there for farmers, too as farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The equipment also makes wide turns and sometimes crosses over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles.

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