Too often in Utah we have near misses’ motor vehicle accidents involving farm equipment on roadways. It can be hard for both the commuters and the agriculturalist to be patient with each other when sharing the road. That is why it is so important to work together so we can all arrive alive at our desired location. 

A great safety tip for commuter’s is understanding that do to the large loads, tractor and equipment size the operator in the tractor may not aways be able to see you. Be sure to slow down, pass with extreme caution especially if visibility limits you from seeing oncoming traffic and lastly tractors will usually slow down to make turns. Don’t use this time to pass unless you are certain the operator is not turning left. 

  1. Make sure tractor or other equipment is properly maintained and safety features are in place, such as lights, warning signals and visible SMV.
  2. Always wear a seatbelt and encourage any passengers to do the same.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings while driving on the road and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
  4. Watch for signs of fatigue or distraction and take breaks when necessary.
  5. Avoid distractions such as texting or talking on the phone while driving a tractor or other vehicle.
  6. Always drive at a safe speed, considering weather and road conditions.
  7. Remember that farm tractors may not have the ability to stop quickly, so always be prepared to slow down or stop when necessary.
  8. Ensure that you have proper insurance coverage for your tractor and follow all applicable laws and regulations.