If you drive on rural roads, you may encounter farm equipment. There are certain times of year when this is more likely, such as planting and harvest times which can vary depending on what is being grown and the climate. Farm equipment is slow moving, and drivers who aren’t used to it are often shocked and don’t know what to do. If you have been injured in a car accident involving farm equipment, talk to Robbins Law today.
Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment
Farmers have the right to drive their equipment on the road. Other drivers may find it frustrating and an inconvenience, but they have every right to be there and they are making sure we all get to eat. Be patient and courteous. Give them ample room. And watch out for bad behavior on the part of other drivers who might cause an accident for you as they try to pass unsafely.
Most farm equipment moves slowly, typically 25 mph or less, but large equipment may not appear to be moving that slowly until you get right up on it. When you see farm equipment in the distance, prepare to slow down.
Farm equipment may take up more than one lane. There may be pieces of the equipment that stick out or hang over, and that could be into the lane of traffic you are in, or it could be on the other side causing the farm equipment operator to swerve into your lane in or der to avoid hitting obstacles or other vehicles.
Farm equipment drivers have blind spots to contend with just like truck drivers do. Keep the rule of thumb in mind – if you can’t see the driver’s face, they can’t see you.
With both of those things in mind, make sure you give them plenty of space when passing. Even though they are moving slowly, they can still make sudden maneuvers and hit you as you pass. If they have parts sticking out, be sure you give those parts a wide berth. It’s easy for drivers to miscalculate the space.
If you have been injured in an accident with farm equipment, in Sandy Springs, Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, contact Robbins & Associates, right away by calling 800-772-5555 or contacting us online.