(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, N.Y. – With grape harvest season in full swing and Farm Safety Awareness Month underway, drivers and farmers alike are urged to practice caution to ensure safety on local roads.
As the grape harvest kicks off this September, the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is reminding the public to remain vigilant while navigating roads filled with slow-moving farm machinery. Over the next two months, an increase in tractors, semi-trucks, and harvesters will be visible across the area as grape growers work to gather their crops.
Motorists should prepare for delays and adjust driving habits to ensure everyone’s safety. All farm vehicles moving slower than 40 miles per hour must display a bright orange Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem. Unlike typical vehicles, these machines are not required to pull over or ride on the road’s shoulder.
To prevent accidents, drivers are encouraged to follow these steps when encountering slow-moving vehicles:
- Reduce speed as soon as you spot an SMV emblem.
- Increase the following distance to create a buffer.
- Stay alert for sudden turns into fields.
- Pass only when it is safe and legal to do so.
- Keep in mind that equipment in tow may sway, and operators may have limited visibility.
Staying cautious will ensure that both residents and farm workers make it to their destinations safely. For more information on how to safely navigate around slow-moving vehicles, visit the New York State Traffic Safety website.
Let’s make this harvest season safe for everyone by driving courteously and remaining patient on the roads.
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