BEMIDJI, Minn. – As Minnesota braces for the bustling planting season, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) emphasizes vigilance on the roads, warning travelers to be mindful of farm equipment movement. “Highways are vital arteries for farmers gearing up for planting. But with the season comes the presence of slow-moving farm vehicles, especially during sunrise and sunset, which can hamper visibility,” emphasized Brian Sorenson, state traffic engineer. MnDOT’s data since 2021 paints a sobering picture, with 446 crashes involving farm equipment, resulting in eight fatalities and 171 injuries across Minnesota. The substantial size and weight of farm equipment pose challenges for operators, hindering acceleration, deceleration, and maneuverability. Wide turns and occasional crossings over the center line further compound the risks, exacerbated by sizable blind spots that impede visibility.
To navigate this seasonal surge safely, motorists are urged to adopt precautionary measures:
- Reduce speed and exercise heightened awareness, especially during twilight hours on rural two-lane roads.
- Approach farm equipment cautiously and remain vigilant for dropped debris.
- Maintain headlights on at all times for enhanced visibility.
- Exercise patience and wait for opportune moments to pass safely.
Farm equipment operators, in turn, are advised to take proactive steps:
- Illuminate equipment using lights and flashers to bolster visibility.
- Affix slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling below 30 mph.
- Consider employing a follow vehicle, particularly during nocturnal operations, to enhance safety.
As the farming season unfolds, MnDOT underscores the shared responsibility of all road users in fostering a safer transportation environment amidst increased agricultural activity.