Harvest Underway, State Police Urges Caution on Roadways

Illinois State Police in District 12 urge motorists to exercise due caution while traveling on Illinois roadways during the autumn harvest season.

As farmers begin to move equipment from field to field, they may be traveling at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less. “Motorists should remain especially alert for farm equipment on the roads”, said District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt. “Be prepared to reduce speed immediately upon encountering slow moving vehicles”, he added.

Other farm and traffic safety tips include:

• Motorists should not attempt to pass farm equipment unless it is both legal and safe to do so; even if the equipment operator waves you around.
• Look for turn signals
• Maintain a safe following distance and be patient. 
• Be prepared to meet an oncoming oversized agricultural vehicle.
• Avoid movement of farm machinery at sunrise and sunset, when visibility is more limited. 
• Ensure slow moving vehicle emblems are mounted on the rear, to alert motorists.
• Limit distractions while driving:  Texting, talking on hand-held phone, excessively loud music, use of headsets (both ears), other passengers, animals, eating, etc. – These are all common distractions to drivers.