News release from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.



ISDA Header________________________________________________________________________

*NEWS RELEASE
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


*_Planting season begins across Indiana:_*

*_ be alert, slow down, share the road_*

*INDIANAPOLIS (April 23, 2020)* As spring arrives and temperatures rise, farmers across Indiana will begin to plant the state's 15 million acres of crops. To keep motorists and farmers safe this planting season, several state agencies have partnered together to encourage Hoosiers to be alert, slow down and share the road with farm equipment.

Farming season can be both a joyful and anxious time as farmers begin to plant their crops, said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Farmers on tractors and heavy equipment use the same roads we do, lets save them some unneeded anxiety and be cautious and alert while out on the road.

According to the most recent data from theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration [ [link removed] ], farm vehiclesother than trucks were involved in 98 crashes across the U.S., with two of those accidents occurring in Indiana.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler says farmers want to move their equipment as quickly and safely as possible.

Normally people dont think of roadway accidents when they think of one of the dangers of farming, said Kettler. But, each year lives are lost due to accidents on our rural roads and highways. That is why we are encouraging motorists and farmers to be cautious this spring. Please be alert, slow down and share the road.

While the term farm equipment encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter during planting season include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.

The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:


* Farmers will pull over when they are able to let you pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so. Be patient.
* Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway. Be careful when passing.
* Do not pass if you are in a designated No Passing Zone or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
* Do not try to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
* Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
* Allow plenty of time to get to your destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.

Springtime in Indiana means crisp cool mornings and farm machinery of all sizes crossing county and state roads as they move from field to field, said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. Its important for everyones safety farmer and motorist to be attentive when driving in rural Indiana during the active planting season.

For a list of safety tips, click here [ [link removed] ]or visit isda.in.gov [ [link removed] ]. The following organizations will be working together to share this important safety message during planting season: Hoosier Ag Today [ [link removed] ],Indiana Department of Homeland Security [ [link removed] ], Indiana Department of Transportation [ [link removed] ]and Indiana State Police [ [link removed] ].

*Click here [ [link removed] ] for a public service announcementcreated by Hoosier Ag Today.*You can also listen to the PSA by tuning into Hoosier Ag Today radio stations. To find a station broadcasting in your area, click here [ [link removed] ].**

*Click here [ [link removed] ] for audio of Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch.*

*Click here [ [link removed] ] for audio of ISDA Director Bruce Kettler.*

*Click here [ [link removed] ] for the 60 second audio PSA.*

###

"Note to the media: The following photo for your use is an example of the farm equipment motorists may encounter on the road."

tractor

*
**ABOUT ISDA
*"TheIndiana State Department of Agriculture [ [link removed] ](ISDA) was established as a separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005. Administratively, ISDA reports toLt. Governor Suzanne Crouch [ [link removed] ],who also serves as Indianas Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state."

________________________________________________________________________




Facebook [ [link removed] ]Twitter [ [link removed] ]Instagram [ [link removed] ]


*Media Contact:
*Regan Holtsclaw
Phone: 317.552.9281
Email: [email protected]




ISDA Footer




SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]|Delete Profile [ [link removed] ]|Help [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: State of Indiana 402 Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 800.457.8283 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]