Our Opinion: Mowers create slow-moving work zones

Not all highway work zones are stationary. Motorists are being cautioned to expect mobile variations created by mowing crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
Throughout the growing season, crews will be mowing grass and vegetation along roadways to clear lines of sight for motorists.
Although tractors and support vehicles are outfitted with flashing lights, motorists traveling the speed limit may quickly catch up to the slow-moving mowers.
"We ask motorists to pay attention and slow down when approaching mowing crews," said Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT state maintenance engineer. "Please take the time to pass carefully and safely especially on rural two-lane roads."
Although MoDOT may use a protective "follow" truck on rural roads to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers, the agency advises motorists to:
Be alert for mowing vehicles with lights flashing and moving slowly, between 2 to 5 mph.
Slow down and focus on the road ahead. Avoid talking and texting on a cell phone or other distractions.
Be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.
Obey the no-passing zone stripes and only pass when you can see far enough past the "follow" truck to avoid meeting oncoming traffic.
Major and minor routes will be mowed at least three times through the end of October, according to MoDOT.
In addition to the mowing, crews selectively use herbicides to stunt grass growth, control brush and stop the spread of noxious weeds. Wildflowers are an added benefit of not mowing fence-to-fence and careful herbicide usage.
The mowing operations are designed to enhance safety for motorists but, while they are in progress, motorists are urged to be alert, patient and sensible when encountering slow-moving mowers.