Cognizant drivers need to remain vigilant during the farming season.
During the peak of the harvest season, roads in agricultural areas can become busy with slow-moving farm equipment. To ensure a safe journey for all road users, it's essential to understand the potential hazards and follow some simple guidelines.
When passing or approaching agricultural vehicles, drivers should slow down, give plenty of space, and be patient. It's important to only pass when it is completely safe to do so, ensuring there is adequate visibility and no oncoming vehicles. Drivers should pay close attention to slow moving vehicle signs, indicator lights, and the width of the equipment, which may be wider than a single lane. It is safer to remain on your side of the roadway and avoid trying to pass where the shoulder is soft or narrow.
Potential hazards related to summer road conditions in agricultural areas include slow-moving farm equipment causing sudden speed changes on the road, equipment traveling significantly slower than other vehicles (farm vehicles typically under 40 km/h), and road shoulders that may be soft or uneven, increasing the risk if vehicles move off the paved lane. Additionally, increased harvest traffic and agricultural activity lead to more frequent interactions with large machinery. Visibility issues caused by dust or crop debris stirred up by moving farm equipment during dry summer conditions can also pose a risk.
One specific danger during the harvest season is summer black ice, formed in combination with dew or rain, creating a slippery film on the road. Even if vehicles are roughly cleaned before transitioning to paved roads, dirt can fall onto the road unnoticed and increase the risk of accidents due to slipperiness. Seed in curves, such as rape, can be dangerous for motorcycle drivers as they act like soap.
Combinations over ten meters in length are not uncommon, and these vehicles can take up more than half of the lane width. Combine harvesters and tractor combinations often have a larger length and width than estimated by road users, making it important for drivers to be aware of their size and the need for extra care when overtaking.
For additional guidance on road safety with agricultural vehicles, drivers can refer to the advice provided by ADAC Hesse-Thuringia. It is crucial to remember that when sharing the road with agricultural machinery during harvest season, caution, maintaining safe following distance, avoiding unsafe passing maneuvers, and anticipating slower speeds are key to ensuring a safe journey for everyone.
A driver navigating through agricultural areas during the harvest season should be aware of large machinery combinations that may take up more than half of the lane width, and give extra care when overtaking these vehicles. Adhering to slow moving vehicle signs, monitoring the width of equipment, and maintaining a safe following distance can help mitigate potential hazards related to lifestyle changes that occur in home-and-garden settings during the harvest season.
