COLUMBIA, SC – Hugh E. Weathers, South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture, urges drivers to use caution when driving near tractors and other large farm equipment on the highways around the state.
Each spring and summer there is an increase of tractors and other large farm machines that travel South Carolina’s back roads as farmers work their fields. Every year there are collisions involving farm equipment and vehicles across the state and the Department of Agriculture encourages everyone to drive with care as they approach any farm machine on the road.
“Tractors and combines on the roads are a part of South Carolina,” Weathers said. “I urge all drivers to slow down, be patient behind large tractors that may be driving slowly, and pass with care.”
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety offers these tips when driving near large farm equipment on the highway:
- Don’t follow too close. Driving too close reduces reaction time.
- Slow done when approaching farm machinery on the road. Large pieces of equipment drive slower than most people think.
- Pass with caution and use good sight distance. Remember tractors and combines are wider than standard vehicles.
For more information on safety tips, please contact Sgt. Kelley Hughes, community relations officer with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 803.896.8164.