McHenry County Farm Bureau would like to share these driving tips with motorists in an attempt to avoid accidents.
• Always be on the watch for farm equipment on rural roads.
• When you see machinery ahead, apply the brakes. In five seconds, a car traveling 55mph will close the length of a football field on a combine traveling 15mph.
• Recognize the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem, a reflective red and orange triangle mounted near the center of the rear of every piece of equipment designed to travel at low speeds. This is a warning to immediately slow down.
• Pay attention to the farmer's hand signals and flashing lights. Expect them to make wide left turns when they move to the right side of the road near intersections and field entrances.
• After passing, please leave plenty of space between you and machinery before you move back to the right lane.
• Only pass in safe, designated passing zones. Never assume the farmer knows you are behind the machinery or that you want to pass. If you can't see their mirrors they can't see you.
• If you can't pass, just enjoy the ride. Following at 20mph for six minutes is the equivalent of waiting at two stoplights.
