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Farm Vehicle and Equipment Accidents: Staying Safe on the Roads

Mar 30, 2010; 2:22 PM ET

With spring and summer approaching, the number of farm vehicles and equipment on the roads will increase sharply along with the need for extra precautions. Farm auto safety may seem like common sense, but it's wise to periodically review the basics and also check to make sure that you have sufficient farm equipment and vehicle insurance. Here are some insights into common farm vehicle accidents, as well as preventative measures you can take.

Common accidents involving farm vehicles and equipment

Occurring mainly on rural highways, common farm vehicle and equipment accidents include:

1. Multiple-vehicle accidents

These accidents occur when farm equipment is struck while turning onto a rural public highway. Most often, this happens while the farm vehicle or farm equipment is stopped waiting to make a left turn across traffic, and motorists fail to realize the equipment is stopped. These drivers then attempt to pass as the farm machinery makes the turn.

2. Rear-end and sideswipe collisions

This kind of accident happens when motorists underestimate the size, width, and speed of farm equipment. They may think the farm implement is travelling faster than it actually is and come upon it at a high rate of speed, resulting in a rear-end collision. Or, when trying to pass a slow-moving piece of farm equipment, a motorist may not realize how wide the farm implement is and sideswipe it.

3. Single-vehicle accidents

Single farm-equipment accidents typically occur when an operator drives too close to the shoulder of the road or hits a stationary object such as mailboxes, guardrails, or telephone poles.

10 ways to prevent farm vehicle and equipment accidents

1. Clearly mark your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle and equipment are well marked with reflective tape, lights or flags, particularly if your equipment is oversized or extends beyond one lane of traffic.

2. Use your lights: Keep headlights, reflectors and turn signals clear of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during work, and always use turn signals when turning and changing lanes.

3. Install proper signage: Properly install slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems so motorists around you are aware of the difference in speed between your vehicle and theirs.

4. Watch your mirrors: Always use rearview and side mirrors so you know your position on the highway, as well as that of other motorists. The mirrors will help make you aware of your vehicle's distance from the shoulder.

5. Travel on less-busy roads: When possible, avoid highly-traveled roads, especially during times when traffic is heaviest.

6. Take it slow: Drive slowly, especially when making turns or driving down steep inclines. Lower speeds will help you avoid a rollover.

7. Secure your load: Equipment that is being towed must be secured and properly balanced. Double check that safety-hitch pins are securely fastened before getting on the road.

8. Keep passengers off of the equipment: Do not let passengers, especially children, ride anywhere on the vehicle except for inside the cabin.

9. Know your state laws and regulations: Stay informed of the latest codes and requirements in your state, as well as recommendations from the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) for equipment like vehicle markers.

10. Practice good maintenance: Always keep your vehicles and equipment well maintained and your farm equipment insurance and farm car insurance current.

Farm auto safety is easy to achieve with careful attention and preparation. In the event of an accident, it's important to make sure both your farm auto insurance and farm equipment insurance policies are up-to-date and sufficient. Remember: Your farm vehicles (autos, trucks) are written under a separate business auto policy. Your farm equipment (tractors, combines, planters, and other equipment used on your farm) is protected under your farm property policy. Be sure both policies are up-to-date and accurately cover the vehicles and equipment used on your farm. For farm insurance quotes, visit Nationwide Insurance.