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Every fall, harvest season brings an increase of activity on Ohio’s roads.

"Motorists and farm equipment operators alike should be extra aware of surroundings and use extra caution this fall," according to Darrell Rubel, OFBF director of youth and safety programs. "Not recognizing a slow moving vehicle, not observing lighting or hand signals, trying to pass slow moving vehicles or simply not noticing them is a leading cause of death and collisions between farm equipment and motorists."

Rubel created this checklist to make sure you’re safe on the road this fall:

• Replace worn or faded Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs.
• Mark equipment with approved safety reflective tape.
• Regularly inspect and clean lights, reflective tape and SMV signs.
• Always use lights while you are on the road, especially around sunrise to sunset. Even better, avoid driving between dusk and dawn whenever possible.
• Allow extra time to turn.
• Be courteous. Allow approaching cars to pass before you enter the road, be alert for dips in the road and allow time to pull over to let other pass when possible.
• Use turn signals or hand signals.
• Use extreme caution when making a wide left turn from the road.

For rural drivers, there are other things you can do to be safe around farm equipment:

• Watch for hand signals.
• Don’t assume that a vehicle pulling off to the right is going to turn right – many types of large equipment need to turn right briefly before making a left-hand turn to give proper equipment clearance. A vehicle moving to the right slightly does not automatically mean the driver is letting you pass.
• Watch for SMV signs. When you see one, slow down and be cautious – just like you are approaching a stop light.
• Avoid using SMV signs as driveway markers or in any use other than to mark a slow moving vehicle. To do otherwise is illegal.
• Be extra cautious when driving on hilly roads and during dusk, sunset and sunrise.
• Slow down when you see flashing signals or turn signals on a slow moving vehicle.
• Be patient. Most farm equipment can not travel faster than 25 mph and it is not easy for equipment operators to move aside and allow you to pass.
• Pass with caution, even after checking the road in front and behind you.
• Avoid pulling out in front of a slow moving vehicle. Farm equipment cannot stop or slow down quickly.

For more farm safety information, contact your county Farm Bureau office.