Our Opinion: Share roads safely during harvest season

A fall harvest safety reminder from the Missouri Highway Patrol brought to mind a recent incident.

While traveling one of Missouri's narrow, winding roads, we were among a string of vehicles following a slow-moving piece of farm equipment.

Impatience was obvious among motorists, who jockeyed for opportunities to pass, which would have been dangerous. Thankfully, patience prevailed and - within a mile - the farm equipment turned onto a gravel road and highway traffic resumed the posted speed.

Noting the abundance of agriculture in the state, the patrol advised motorists "to expect heavier farm machinery traffic - especially on rural highways. Farmers and motorists are encouraged to share the road in a safe, courteous manner."

The caution is based on data that show four people were killed and 57 injured in 156 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment in 2014.

For motorists, the patrol advises:

• When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.

• Pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways.

• Pay special attention when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.

• Expect the unexpected. Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass instead may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer's hand and light signals closely.

A number of Missouri laws also apply to farmers operating agricultural equipment on Missouri roadways. Among them, farmers must drive as far to the right as possible and farm equipment must be properly marked with lights and a "slow-moving vehicle" emblem.

Farmers' equipment is not on the roadways to inconvenience motorists. Harvest season dictates a narrow time frame when farmers must work actively to help put food on our tables.

Tractors and other farm machinery typically are on the roads only for short durations while they transport the harvest from field to outbuilding.

Harvest time is a brief period when motorists and farmers must share the roadways. Courtesy and patience is the formula for doing so safely.