Farm Safety Communication

Farmers can improve communications by:

Educating equipment operators
Signaling properly
Using two-point left turn

"	Two Point Turn1. Pull as far to the right as possible 2. Start the turn but stop before crossing the center line of the highway and look in both directions

Highway Safety Checklist

Equipment operators are trained about highway safety and proper machinery operation.

Equipment operators know and obey highway laws.

Equipment is properly maintained:
      Brakes work
      Tires inflated properly
      Lights operate
      Steering system in good condition

Each tractor and implement has proper lighting.

Windshields and lights are clean of dust, dirt and mud.

Standard SMV emblem (s276.5) is clearly visible.

Reflective tape is placed correctly on equipment.

Strobe lights are mounted on agricultural machinery.

Implements are prepared for the highway:
    Hydraulic wings are raised and locked in place.
    Hitch points are relocated.
    Headers are removed.

Equipment is as narrow as possible.

There are no extra riders on the equipment.

Large trailers or equipment are equipped with separate brakes.

Transported equipment is securely tied down to trailers or truck beds.

Towed equipment is secured by:
Using safety chains on the tow bars
Using the proper size ball and hitch assembly

Locking tractor brake pedals together to ensure adequate braking on both wheels when traveling down highways

Highway Safety Tips

Before entering the roadway, stop and look both directions. Make sure there is enough time to cross the road or enter the road if traffic is coming or is close.
Be aware of the road conditions. Know where hazards such as potholes, ditches, washouts, narrow bridges, blind corners, and sharp curves are before starting the trip.
Watch for mailboxes and road signs.
Slow down when leaving the road.
Go down a steep grade in the same gear used to go up the grade. This will help maintain control of the machine and the load.
When transporting equipment on trailers or in trucks, slow down around curves, since large tractors or implements may shift and break the chains holding them. Use trucks and trailers with beds wide and heavy enough for the load. Also, use proper sized chains and tie-down clamps.
Clear away blind spots where machines enter and leave the roadway.
Turn lights on at dusk or in times of poor visibility such as fog, rain, blowing dust, or cloudy conditions. Always use flashers and/or strobe lights when on roadways.
Assist large machines, such as combines, with pilot vehicles equipped with flashing amber lights and signs warning of an oversized load.
Drive slow moving vehicles as far right as possible but stay on the road. Slow down and get as far over as safely possible to let vehicles pass. Stop until all vehicles pass you.
For left turns, use a wide 2 point turn for better visibility. Come to a complete stop and look in both directions before crossing the center line.

Be Seen and Be Safe is sponsored by the Edgecombe, Greene, Johnston, Nash, Pitt, Wayne, and Wilson Centers of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol with funding from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

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