Officials in Iowa are urging both farm equipment users and motorists to be careful as producers get ready for the harvest.
Farmers often have to use rural roads to get from field to field, which means motorists may encounter them more often while driving. The Iowa Department of Transportation is urging travelers to be on the lookout for slower-moving farm equipment.
"Be patient and do not assume the farmer can move aside to let you pass," IDOT said. "The shoulder may be unable to support a heavy farm vehicle."
Once a driver sees a piece of farm equipment, he or she should be sure to slow down. Meanwhile, agricultural producers should make sure the slow-moving vehicle signs on their machines are clearly visible.
Any older signs should be replaced on farm equipment. Furthermore, agriculture vehicle operators should make sure to use turn signals. They should also stick to the right-hand lane while moving on a road.
Some farmers may have to do their work at night, which means both they and drivers will have to be especially aware given darker conditions.
Iowa urging care while driving farm equipment on roads
Motorists and farm equipment users should be careful when sharing roadways.