Grape Harvester with SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) sign on the back.
The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program wants to remind you to be extra cautious on the roads so that everyone can make it to their destination safely. We are in the middle of the grape growing season, and it is critical that everyone is aware of, and takes caution to, tractors, semi-trucks, and sprayers on the roads.
Collisions involving slow-moving farm machinery and other agricultural equipment on public roads in New York and Pennsylvania may lead to injuries and, tragically in some instances, fatalities. The National Safety Council estimates that 15,000 collisions involving farm vehicles happen every year.
All farm machinery that travels less than 40 miles per hour must have a Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem displayed on the back. This can be identified as a bright orange triangle. These vehicles are not required to move over or ride on the side of the road.
Farm equipment often travels at low speeds and makes wide turns, sometimes requiring longer stopping distances. Factors such as limited visibility, mirrors, and driver awareness can increase risk, especially on rural highways and during planting and harvest seasons. This campaign aims to reduce crashes through education, enhanced visibility, and collaboration with farmers, road authorities, and law enforcement.
“This isn’t about blaming drivers or farmers; it’s about practical safety for everyone on the road,” said Jennifer Phillips Russo, Team Leader of the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program. “By using proper lighting, reflective markings, and predictable driving behavior, we can dramatically reduce preventable crashes.”
In summary, to help keep our roads safe for agricultural stakeholders and motorists in our rural communities:
For motorists: Slow down when following farm machinery, maintain a generous following distance, and be prepared to stop. Never attempt to pass on hills, curves, or when visibility is limited.
For farm operators: Equip vehicles with bright, functioning lights and a visible SMV emblem; use reflective tape on trailers; use signals consistently; keep the driver’s view clear; consider escort vehicles for long or wide loads.
Let’s be safe on the roads this summer; slow down and make it safely to our destination.
For more up-to-date information on slow-moving vehicles and proper responses when encountering them, you can visit the following websites: https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2019/07/SharingTheRoadWithSlowMovingVehiclesBrochure_June2019.pdf or https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/resources?f%5B0%5D=filter_term%3A181