As we approach summer harvesting for farmers, please stay alert for slow-moving farm equipment. Equipment needs to be moved to and from fields as they work to grow food and fiber for us.
It takes only 5 seconds for a car traveling 55 mph to close a distance the size of a football field on a tractor that may be traveling at 25 mph. Please slow when you see farm equipment on the road to protect yourself and them.
Farm equipment may have to make wider turns that are slower than what may be expected. Watch for their electronic or hand signals. Farmers will attempt to pull over if the road conditions allow, but if ditches are too steep, for example, they may not be able to. Driving with one set of tires on loose-surfaced shoulders substantially increases the risk of the equipment turning over. Also, they may have to move to the center of the road to avoid items on sides of the road such as mailboxes.
Please have patience and pass only if safe to do so with no on-coming traffic. Do not pass on the yellow line or curves. When passing, be courteous and pass with care. Please, be neighborly and share the road!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Fort Bend County, 1402 Band Road, Suite 100, Rosenberg, TX 77471
www.fortbend.agrilife.org 281-342-3034
