Don’t play “Chicken” with passenger cars while in your tractor, or other large pieces of farm machinery. 

Read about everyday safe driving tips for Farm Machinery.

Accidents are often caused between farm equipment and vehicles on public roads while traveling from one location to the next. How are you supposed to avoid finding yourself in an unfortunate situation?

Ensuring your safety while operating your farm equipment on public roads is simple, requiring nothing more than a small checklist and a little bit of common sense. This will all become second nature once you’ve done it once or twice. Who knows, perhaps you’ve been doing these things all along without thinking about it.

Inspect the equipment prior to leaving the farm:

•  Is the windshield clean and are the windshield wipers in proper working order?
• Are tires inflated and brakes working properly? If necessary, add air before leaving the premises.
• If towing a load, ensure it is properly hitched and secured. Verify that all machinery and equipment being towed has visible “slow-moving vehicle” placards.

When exiting the driveway:

• Remember most drivers don’t expect to see massive tractors or other equipment emerging onto the road slowly from an unidentified driveway.
• Look both ways prior to entering the roadway, paying extra attention to passing vehicles.
• When unsure if you can make it out before an oncoming vehicle, wait and let them pass you first.

Stay safe while you’re on the road:

• Always travel at a safe speed and distance from other vehicles and avoid making any sudden moves.
• Large equipment can appear to be moving slower than it is, so allow ample time to slow down.
• Your attention belongs on the road, not on your phone. If you find yourself having to use the phone, pull well off the road to avoid being rear-ended by another driver.
• Avoid traveling at dawn or dusk, as during these times, other drivers may not see your vehicle, and accidents may occur.

This list, albeit short and simple, can help prevent you from being in the unfortunate situation of being in an accident and having to make an insurance claim. For more tips about how to avoid negative occurrences that can lead to insurance claims, contact your Trusted Choice insurance advisors at Richey-Barrett Insurance in Westlake, Ohio.