Safely Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment

If you live in a rural area, you are sure to encounter tractors and other farm equipment on public roads every once in a while. These vehicles are permitted on public roads in Arkansas, so long as they are equipped with safety features – such as headlights and hazard lights. Even then, they can pose a hazard to unsuspecting drivers. If you frequently drive on rural roads, you should be prepared to safely navigate around tractors and other farm equipment.

Read on for some safety tips from Central Arkansas Mahindra, and feel free to contact us with any questions! Central Arkansas Mahindra is your destination for farm equipment in Little Rock, AR, serving customers from Sherwood, Conway, and Hot Springs.

Understand the Risks

Farm tractors are slow, bulky pieces of equipment that are not designed for use on public roads. They are very limited in their ability to maneuver. As a result, tractors make wide turns, and they can’t always pull over to avoid obstacles. Keep this in mind when sharing the road, and give tractors plenty of breathing room. Several car lengths of space would be ideal.

Slow Down and Stay Alert

Most traffic accidents involving tractors are high-speed collisions caused by other vehicles rear-ending the tractor. This kind of accident can easily be fatal for the driver and the tractor operator. You can avoid rear-ending a tractor by slowing down as soon you see the blinking hazard lights and reflective triangles on the rear of the vehicle. 

Practice Caution When Passing

Tractors can hold up traffic, and it’s only natural for drivers to want to pass them whenever possible. However, passing a tractor can be hazardous for two reasons. First, it can be difficult to see around tractors and tell whether the lane is clear. Second, passing a tractor at high speed can create wind that causes the equipment to sway.

To safely pass a tractor, make sure the passing lane is clear by carefully checking your mirrors and your blind spot. Activate your turn signal, give yourself plenty of space, and pass the tractor at a safe, steady speed. Keep in mind that all the usual passing laws still apply when passing a tractor, and never attempt to pass across double lines.

We hope you found these safety tips useful. If you need more advice on sharing the road with farm equipment, you are always welcome to consult the team here at Central Arkansas Mahindra. We proudly serve the farming community in Little Rock, AR.