Spring planting safety from the Iowa Department of Heath and Human Services and Allamakee Public Health
Spring planting is underway. Driving in rural Iowa comes with a few extra things to watch for - including Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblems. When there is a tractor or other farm equipment ahead with flashing lights and an orange triangular SMV symbol, it means the vehicle is traveling 25 mph or less. Slow down, increase the following distance and be prepared for limited visibility or sudden turns into fields or driveways.
Here are some tips for all Iowa drivers to follow this planting season:
• Be aware - Watch for slow‑moving farm equipment. These vehicles can appear suddenly over hills or around curves.
• Slow down - Reduce your speed when driving through agricultural areas, especially during planting season when equipment is on the move.
• Keep your distance - Leave at least 3 seconds of following distance behind any farm vehicle and even more behind large machinery.
• Pass with care - Only pass on straight, open stretches with clear visibility. Make sure the farm vehicle isn’t swinging wide to make a left turn.
• Be patient - Farmers will pull over to let traffic pass when it’s safe. Soft shoulders and narrow ditches often make it unsafe for heavy equipment to move aside.
Farm equipment travels much slower than regular traffic, and a driver may come up on it faster than expected. Stay alert and be ready to slow down. Avoid passing unless there is plenty of room and a clear view of the road ahead.
If following a farm vehicle, ease off the gas and give it space. Even following for a couple of miles only adds a few minutes to a trip. Don’t assume the farmer can pull over - soft shoulders and narrow ditches can make it unsafe for heavy equipment to move aside.
Don’t assume a farm vehicle drifting to the right is letting a car pass. Many machines must swing wide to make a left turn.
Most rural accidents happen at dusk. Farmers are heading home from the fields, and low light makes large equipment harder to see. Stay attentive and reduce speed as visibility drops.
In rural roadway collisions between passenger vehicles and farm equipment, those in passenger vehicles are more than five times as likely to be injured as the farm equipment operator. Help keep everyone safe by helping prevent rural roadway collisions. Keep an eye out for slow moving vehicle emblems, be patient when traveling behind farm equipment and maintain a safe distance.
Here are some important tips for ALL Farmers to follow:
• Kids are always watching and often want to get in on the action. That’s why it’s important to create “safe zones” on the farm to help children understand where it’s safe to play and where it’s not. Keeping kids away from equipment and busy work areas helps keep them safe.
• Before moving that truck, tractor or piece of equipment, pause and take a good look around. Objects in yards and driveways can change in an instant, especially when kids, pets or visitors are nearby. Taking an extra moment to check blind spots and make sure the path is clear can make all the difference.
• Fascination with farm equipment often starts at a young age. It’s important that kids understand the difference between toys and the real thing. Remind kids that it’s not safe to climb or play around tractors and machinery, even when it’s parked.
Long hours in the field mean extra sun exposure - protect skin while planting using the following tips:
• Sunscreen: broad spectrum SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours or after heavy sweating.
• Clothing: long sleeves, long pants and UPF rated shirts; wide brim hat for face, ears, neck.
• Eyes: sunglasses that block UVA/UVB.
• Breaks: take shade breaks and drink water often.
During planting season, make sure every tractor, truck and other pieces of mobile equipment has a fully stocked first aid kit and a properly mounted fire extinguisher. Quick access saves precious seconds when it matters most.
Planting season brings pressure. Financial, weather and workload. Iowa Concern (Iowa State Univ. Extension) offers free, confidential stress counseling, legal education and financial referrals for Iowa farmers and farm families. Call or text 800‑447‑1985 or use live chat anytime.
For additional information, contact Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health at 563-568-5660.
