How to Safely Share the Road With Tractors
If you’ve ever had to share the road with a tractor, you know how frustrating it can be. These vehicles are both large and slow, meaning that you can easily find yourself stuck behind one. You might even feel tempted to try to pass around the tractor in an unsafe way just because you are tired of being delayed. Here at Magnum Power, we want everyone to stay safe, which is why we have created this guide to sharing the road with tractors.
1. Be Visible
It might be helpful to think of a tractor as being like a very slow semi-truck. With both, you need to make sure that the operator can see you. Tractors are large and unwieldy, so whoever is driving the vehicle will have to turn most of their attention to staying on the road. When you encounter a tractor on the road, give it several car lengths of space and use your headlights to help alert the operator to your presence.
2. Be Smart About Passing
Remember that passing lane laws apply no matter what kind of vehicle you are behind. While it may be tempting to cross double lines in order to get around a slow-moving tractor, doing so will put yourself and others at risk. Even if you do have space to attempt this, just moving past the tractor too quickly can create enough wind to destabilize the equipment and make the operator lose control. Most tractor operators will pull over to let you pass if they can, so return the courtesy by giving them plenty of room and passing at a steady pace.
3. Drive Slow and Stay Alert
Most tractor-related road accidents involve a driver rear-ending a tractor because they were going too fast. Most tractors are equipped with flashing lights and a slow-moving vehicle sign (which takes the form of an orange triangle). Watch for these signs, and slow down when you spot a tractor.
4. Understand the Operator’s Limitations
It’s important to understand that tractors are built for power rather than speed or maneuverability. These vehicles have wide turn radiuses and can get tipped over if used on uneven terrain. Even if it looks like a tractor has enough room to move over, it might not actually be able to. If you see a tractor that appears to be pulling over, let it complete its maneuver before trying to pass it. The operator might just be preparing for a turn.
For more information or to shop new and pre-owned tractors, visit Magnum Power online or at our dealership in Lawson, Missouri. We also offer financing, trade-ins, parts ordering, and servicing. We are proud to serve the northwestern Missouri area, including Clay County, Missouri and communities like Kansas City, Missouri.