As farmers take full advantage of warm and dry days this week, Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider gives some tips on how to make sure everyone navigates the roads safely this planting season.

Moving farm equipment on public roads can be dangerous, so farm operators should drive defensively and remain alert every second they are on the road. A major reason for farm machinery incidents on public roads is the difference in speed between automobiles and agricultural equipment, according to ISU Extension and Outreach. Schneider says that’s why farm equipment should be made as visible as possible with headlights, taillights, and reflectors, “Depending on the time of day I think it’s important to have that light on, but even during the daytime hours, the more you can do to make yourself visible along the roadway is going to make the road safer for you when you’re on your farm equipment or in your farm equipment. And also for the motorists that are traveling, either approaching you or coming up behind you. I think whatever you can do to make yourself visible to them is going to make it safer for everybody.”

Farmers are also reminded to perform a complete check of both their tractor and trailer equipment before heading onto the road, to move equipment in daylight during periods of light traffic and to avoid busy roads, even if travel time will be longer. For more information on safely sharing the road, visit here.