Sept. 28 , 2005

For more information contact:
Scott Falb
515-237-3154
scott.falb@dot.iowa.gov

Driver alert: slow-moving farm vehicles are taking to Iowa roadways

AMES , Iowa – Iowa's breadbasket is overflowing again this year, and that means an increase in the movement of farm equipment on area roadways and increased dangers for motorists.

Fatal crashes with farm vehicles more than doubled in 2004 from 2003, according to Iowa Department of Transportation preliminary data. Motorists are urged to use caution and be aware of the limitations of slow moving vehicles on Iowa roadways.

Data for 2004 shows 11 fatal crashes with farm equipment killed 12 people in Iowa . Of those fatalities, six were drivers or passengers in the other vehicle. Five were drivers or passengers in the farm vehicle and one fatality was a bicyclist. Fourteen crashes caused 19 major injuries and 25 crashes caused 33 minor injuries. There were 117 crashes causing only property damage. Below are the statistics for 2002, 2003 and preliminary data for 2004. The 2004 numbers are subject to change as law enforcement investigations are finalized.

Table 1. Crashes by Severity Involving Farm Equipment/Vehicles, 2002 to 2004

Table 2. Injuries by Severity for Crashes Involving Farm Equipment/Vehicles, 2002 to 2004

The most common time of the day for collisions was between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. That time may coincide with the period when commuter traffic is coming home from work and farm operators are returning from their fields.

Studies also show that the left-turn, rear-end and passing collisions are the three most common types of farm vehicle crashes. The left-turn collision occurs most often when a farm vehicle is about to make a left turn and a motorist behind that vehicle decides to pass. The rear-end collision happens when a slow-moving vehicle is hit from behind. The passing collision takes place when a motorist passes a farm vehicle without taking into consideration the extra width or length of the vehicle.

Tips for motorists:

• Be alert and always watch for slow-moving vehicles, especially during planting and harvest seasons.
• Be patient and don't assume the farmer can move aside to let you pass. The shoulders may not be able to support a heavy farm vehicle.
• Slow down as soon as you see the triangular-shaped, red and fluorescent orange slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Tips for farm vehicle operators:

• Make your intentions known when you're turning by using signal lights or the appropriate hand signal in advance of a turn.
• Drive slow-moving vehicles in the right-hand lane as close to the edge of the roadway as safely possible. Traveling half on the shoulder may cause motorists to risk passing in a dangerous situation.
• Avoid encouraging or signaling motorists to pass. Pull over where it is safe, and let the traffic go by.

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