Harvest Season Brings Farm Equipment, Deer On Roads: Sheriff

HAMILTON COUNTY, IN — Autumn is here and farmers are busy harvesting their crops which means you'll likely see large farm equipment on the roads. As farmers move their equipment from field to field, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists to be careful on the roadways, particularly on county roads.

The sheriff's office reminds motorists that some farm equipment are much wider than normal-sized vehicles on the roads, and motorists may need to slow down, move over, and possible even come to a stop to allow these large pieces of machinery to pass.

Tips for farmers:

• Have all lighting and placards on your equipment as required by law.
• When parking equipment along the road while in the field, make certain it is visible at night.
• Avoid traveling on state and U.S. highways during rush hour traffic.
• Wear high visibility or reflective clothing when working so as to be seen by motorists and farm workers.
• Indiana Code 9-21-5-7 requires operators of vehicles being driven at a speed below the posted limit to move over to the right at their first opportunity if three or more vehicles are following to allow those vehicles to safely pass.

Tips for motorists:

• Be patient when traveling behind farm equipment; farmers have the same rights as automobile drivers to operate their equipment on the roads.
• When approaching farm equipment from the opposite direction, pull to the right of the traveled portion of the road and allow the equipment to pass.
• Always be cautious when approaching farm equipment parked on the side of the road. Someone may be getting into or out of the equipment or performing maintenance.
• Be especially vigilant in watching for farm equipment on two lane roads, and around dusk when conditions can make the equipment harder to see.

Also watch for deer activity, especially around dawn and dusk as deer are naturally more active at this time of year and may be spooked from fields while farmers are harvesting. The sheriff's office said deer vs. vehicle crashes tend to increase during this season.

The sheriff's office said anyone looking to be added to the list to be notified for a deer that becomes available after the crash (for meat, etc.), contact Hamilton County Public Safety Communications.

Image via Hamilton Co. Sheriff's Office