SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — As the fall harvest approaches, the Illinois State Police have reminded drivers on Friday about the importance of safely sharing the roads with farmers.

“Farming is a major industry in Illinois, and throughout the coming months, farmers will be transporting equipment on roadways across the state,” State Police officials highlighted in a news release. “As these farmers move between fields, the ISP urges both motorists and farmers to cooperate on the roads to minimize accidents involving tractors and other agricultural machinery.”

The news release included the following tips and reminders for both drivers and farmers to follow while on the roads:

• For drivers:
  • Share the road and be patient. Allow for extra travel time.
  • Increase following distance to improve sight lines when driving behind wide, slow-moving vehicles.
  • Reduce speed when encountering farm equipment on public roads.
  • Flashing amber lights mean ‘caution’ and orange and red reflective triangles warn motorists that farm equipment travels at slower speeds.
  • It is illegal to pass in a no passing lane or within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing or bridge. Improper passing, including around farm equipment, can be deadly. Be cautious when pulling back into the lane of traffic.
  • Watch for the farmer’s indication of a turn. Newer equipment may have turn signals, but older equipment may not, so watch for the farmer’s hand signals.
  • Be prepared to yield to wide equipment.
• For farmers:
  • Avoid rush hours and busier roadways when possible.
  • Avoid driving tractors on roadways during bad weather, low-visibility and when dark.
  • Use reflective marking tape and reflectors at the extremities of equipment.
  • Take time to wipe off reflectors, flashing lights and any other warning devices on equipment before entering the roadway. Equipment covered with dust/mud/debris from the field can make warning devices difficult to see.
  • Pay attention for traffic backing up while traveling between fields and look for opportunities to ease them. If road and shoulder conditions are safe, pull over to the right to temporarily allow traffic to pass, giving backups time to clear.

“By cooperating on the roadways and focusing on safety, motorists and farmers together can ensure the roads in Illinois remain safe this fall,” the State Police stated.