Roadway Safety
Roadway travel for agricultural equipment is necessary in South Carolina because most fields are farther apart. With fields farther apart than other states, farmers spend a substantial amount of time traveling from field to field, increasing the risk of having a collision on a rural roadway. In South Carolina, 60% of all roadway collisions occur on rural roadways involving passenger vehicles, logging trucks, and agricultural equipment.
Common Hazards on Rural Roadways
- When slow-moving vehicles are on roadways, rear-end collisions are increased and often result in passenger vehicles passing in dangerous areas. If you are operating a passenger vehicle behind a slow-moving vehicle, remember that they can only reach speeds of 25 mph or less. Approach behind them slowly and only pass if there is a clear lane and you have a clear view of the road ahead.
- Often, agricultural equipment is wider than the lane. Be mindful of this if you are operating a passenger vehicle and attempt to pass agricultural equipment.
- Rural roadways are typically poorly lit and can be a hazard to both the operator of the agricultural equipment and passenger vehicles.
Protective Equipment for Agricultural Equipment
- Slow-moving vehicle sign (only for equipment that will operate on a roadway under 25 mph – not to be used on your golf cart!)
- Flags for longer loads
- Working lights and flashers
Driving Agricultural Equipment on Roadways
- Ensure that all lights/flashers are working. These help you be more visible to passenger vehicles.
- Follow all traffic laws! When turning, use your turn signals or hand signals if your equipment is not equipped with turn signals, and always travel at a safe speed.
- If your equipment has ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure), wear your seatbelt. This will hold you in the zone of safety if you experience a roll-over while operating your equipment. The seatbelt will also keep you from being ejected from the equipment if you are involved in a rear-end collision.
- Lock your left and right brakes together to keep you from accidentally only using one and turning off the road unexpectedly.
- Ensure that your SMV sign is properly displayed to alert other drivers you are moving at a slower speed.
- If possible, travel on rural roadways when traffic is light with both a lead and follow car to limit contact with passenger vehicles.
Interacting with Agricultural Equipment on Roadways
- Pass equipment with caution. Equipment is often wider than the lanes and obstructs visibility to pass the equipment.
- Avoid coming to a sudden stop in front of agricultural equipment as they cannot brake as quickly as a passenger vehicle.
- Most importantly, be patient with farmers! They are just trying to do their job to supply us with food and fibers that are essential to daily life.
