Police to drivers: Watch for slow-moving farm machinery as crop season gets underway
As things green up around Central and Northern New York, authorities are urging drivers to be extra alert for slow-moving farm machinery along the roads while spring planting season is underway.
"Farmers are the lifeblood of Oneida County," Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said.
"Not only do they put food on our tables, but agriculture is the main industry that drives our economy. As our farmers take to the roads with their vehicles and equipment this time of year, we must be aware of their presence to ensure everyone's safety. Please use caution when traveling near county farmland so we can all 'Share the Road' together."
"This time of year, we are now beginning to see farm vehicles and equipment on the roads and motorists need to be ready to respond appropriately,” said Sheriff Rob Maciol.
"These vehicles are extremely important to Oneida County's agriculture community, which is our county's largest industry."
The Sheriff and County Executive were joined by other officials recently for their annual springtime press conference to remind drivers to watch out for farming equipment.
Some of the key tips encouraged for drivers to follow include:
•Slow down immediately
•Increase following distance to create a safety cushion
•Be alert and watch for unexpected turns
•Pass with care only when it is safe and legal to do so
•Be aware that animal-powered vehicles may make unanticipated movements
•Be aware that equipment in tow may sway on the road
•Remember slow-moving vehicle operators may have poor visibility due to loads and equipment in tow
Operators of the farm tractors & equipment should be aware that the slow-moving vehicle triangle should be placed in the center of the back end of the vehicle, located two to six feet above the road, and kept clean and replaced when faded.
Each piece of agricultural equipment, whether self-propelled or used in combination, must separately display the required emblems. It is illegal to put slow-moving vehicle emblems on stationary objects – such as mailboxes or driveway posts.
Under state law, self-propelled agricultural equipment can be used on public roads after dark and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet when it has two white headlamps, one red tail light on the rear as far left as possible and two amber lamps at least 42-inches high and visible from the front and rear.
Vehicles drawn by animals (horse & buggy) must display on the rear either a slow-moving vehicle triangle or a lighted lantern with a red lens at least four inches in diameter, with the center of the lens to be 42 inches above the ground, the lantern to be near the left edge of the vehicle.
The vehicle also should have 72-square-inches of a high quality white or whitish-gray reflective tape.
Image via the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.
