With the spring season on the way, local farmers are expected to return to work within the next few weeks. Because of this the Indiana County Emergency Management Agency, along with PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police, have offered tips for those who may encounter tractors or other farming equipment in rural areas.
Drivers are reminded to:
- Be respectful and patient when encountering tractors and farm equipment.
- Wait for a safe, legal opportunity to pass with sufficient sight distance of the road ahead.
- Avoid passing farm vehicles on curves or hills with insufficient sight distance.
- Follow at a safe distance and watch for sudden stops and/or wide turns.
Drivers are also reminded that if you cannot see the equipment operator in their rearview mirror, they may not see you.
Along with farm equipment, drivers could encounter horse-drawn buggies when in rural areas. If you see a buggy in front of you, you’re reminded to adjust your speed accordingly and to follow at a safe distance. According to PennDOT’s website, vehicles, including horse-drawn buggies, that do not exceed 25 miles per hour are required by law to display a fluorescent orange triangle that’s surrounded by red bands, but drivers should still use caution when approaching them.
Additional information on rural road safety can be found by clicking here.
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