The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is reminding motorists to use extra caution around farm equipment as harvest season continues throughout the county.
In a recent announcement, the department noted that farmers must use the same roads as other motorists to travel between fields, often operating large equipment that requires additional room to maneuver.
Drivers are encouraged to give farm equipment plenty of space and make sure equipment operators are aware of their presence before attempting to pass. The department warned that operators may need to move their equipment unexpectedly to avoid obstacles such as telephone poles or guardrails, creating a potential collision hazard.
The Sheriff’s Department is also reminding farmers to use their hazard lights when traveling on public roads.
Farm equipment operators are encouraged to be mindful of traffic building up behind them. When possible, operators should find a suitable location to allow other vehicles to pass rather than allowing long lines of traffic to form.
The department noted that frustrated motorists may make unsafe decisions, including attempting to pass at inappropriate times.
The Sheriff’s Department is asking both farmers and motorists to work together to help prevent accidents during the harvest season.
