Farm Equipment Vulnerable To Crashes, Official Warns
Concord, NH - With the return of warmer weather, drivers are likely to encounter slow-moving agricultural equipment on New Hampshire's highways and should slow down to avoid rear-end collisions. Farm equipment may be encountered in nearly any area of the state, including developed areas like the Seacoast and the city of Concord.
"Farm equipment travels on or partially on state highways at 25 mph or less, even when the posted speed limit is 55 mph," said Lorraine Merrill, Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets and Food. "Drivers need to be aware that this equipment is on the roads in many areas and be prepared to slow down to pass it safely."
Commissioner Merrill noted that slow-moving farm machinery should display a slow-moving vehicle sign on the back. She also made the following recommendations:
-Automobile drivers must quickly identify farm equipment and slow down immediately to avoid rear ending the machinery. Farm machinery operators may not be able to see you due to large equipment blocking their rearward view. If you can't see the driver, they can't see you.
-Machinery that is half on the road and half on the shoulder may suddenly move completely onto the road.
-Extra-wide farm machinery may take up more than one lane to avoid hitting obstacles such as mailboxes.
-Farm machinery is not required to have brake lights or turn signals.
-Farm machinery crossing the road is traveling slowly and may be pulling equipment that will take longer to clear the road.
When Passing Farm Machinery:
-Check that the machinery is not turning left; the operator may slow down or pull towards the right side of the road to make a wide left turn.
-Determine if the road is wide enough for the machinery and you to safely share.
-Look for any road side obstacles such as mailboxes or bridges that may cause the machinery to move to the center of the road.
-Be sure there is adequate distance for you to safely pass.
Commissioner Merrill warned that equipment operators are not able to get out of the way of on-coming vehicles. It is up to drivers to ensure that they are traveling at a safe speed to avoid collisions. Being patient and waiting for an adequate line of sight to safely pass could mean the difference between life and death.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Safety
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