Harvest season has arrived in southern Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to look out for farm equipment on our rural roads and highways.

MnDOT, in a Monday news release, reported there were 455 crashes involving farm equipment from 2022 to 2024, resulting in eight deaths and 180 injuries.

“Fall harvest season brings more farm equipment to Minnesota highways as farmers move their crops from field to market. We’re all safer when we work together and watch out for one another. Motorists should always scan the road ahead and slow down as they approach farm equipment,” said Brian Sorenson, MnDOT state traffic engineer.

MnDOT also reminds that farm equipment is large and heavy. Operators are unable to accelerate, slow down and stop quickly. Also, farm equipment need to be able make wide turns and sometimes will cross over the center line. Impatient motorists may see this as an opportunity to drive around the equipment, but that will lead to disaster for all involved.

MnDOT offers some suggestions for motorists:

• Slow down and watch for farm equipment, particularly between sunrise and sunset on two-lane rural roads

• Use caution when approaching farm equipment

• Watch for debris dropped by farm equipment 

• Drive with headlights on at all times

• Wait for a safe place to pass

Of course operators of farm equipment also need to be careful. Here are some suggestions for them:

• Use lights as required, and flashing lights as allowed, to make equipment more visible

• Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph.

• Check height of loaded vehicle to ensure it is below the legal height limit of 13 feet 6 inches. Vehicles or loads measuring over 13 feet 6 inches may require a permit from the agency that owns the road (county, state, or local). Specific bridge clearances are available online at mndot.gov/bridgepermitsrpt/Content.aspx. For state permit requirements and information visit mndot.gov/cvo/oversize/index.html. 

Remember, our farmer play an important role in the region’s economy. Let’s give them all the assistance we can to avoid costly mishaps.