SHARING THE ROAD FARM MACHINERY AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

Learning Objectives Understand potential risk factors Recognize hazardous traffic patterns Recognize SMV emblem and proper use Understand local laws and regulations Appreciate closing time Identify proper lighting and marking schemes

Potential Risk Factors Time of day Weather Blind spots Traffic laws

Hazardous Traffic Pattern Patterns Left turns across traffic –Trailing motor vehicles attempts to pass Swinging wide to the left for right hand turn Transporting wide machinery Action Pull slowly off to the side roadways –Pull into driveway Travel at slower speeds Be patient when following slow moving vehicles

Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem Fluorescent orange triangle with “retro- reflective” borders 25 MPH or less Tractor machinery Animal- drawn vehicles Faded, damaged SMV needs to be replaced

Speed Indicator Symbol (SIS) Use in conjunction with SMV Greater than 25 mph and less than 40 mph Post for the highest rate speed

Local Laws and Regulations SMV required –Visible 1,000 ft. from rear –2 to 10 ft. from ground –Pointed up Lighting and marking required Obey all traffic laws and signs as well

Lighting & Marking- Farm Equipment

Lighting & Marking- Buggy

Lighting & Marking- Wagon

Use of Hand Signals

Closure Time

Closing Time

Summary Roadways are shared by many modes of transportation. Factors such as time of day, weather, blind spots, traffic patterns can lead to traffic accidents. Be aware of how to properly mark your equipment so it’s easily identifiable. Always follow the local laws and regulations. Remember, closure time happens in a matter of seconds!

References: Boosting Visibility of Ag Equipment (2008) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from Safety Means Slow-Moving Vehicle. (2006) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from Lighting and Marking Recommendations for Buggies and Wagons (2009) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/pdf/0596_4.pdf Increasing the Visibility of Agricultural Equipment on Public Roadways. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from visibility-of-agricultural-equipment-on-public-roadwayshttp:// visibility-of-agricultural-equipment-on-public-roadways

For More Information OSU Ag Safety & Health The Ohio State University Ag Engineering Building 590 Woody Hayes Drive Columbus, Ohio Phone: Website: agsafety.osu.edu

This project was supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Rural Health and Safety Education Grant Program- grant number