SMV • Slow-Moving Vehicles

Have You Seen Me?

  • In New York State in 2007 there were 59 collisions involving Slow Moving Vehicles
  • 17 were personal injury crashes
  • 15,000 crashes each year in the US (National Safety Council)
  • More than 2/3 of the collisions involved being struck from behind
  • 90% took place in the daylight
  • Farmer usually the fatality

 

 

What Do I Stand For? What Do I Mean?

I mean that the tractor, wagon, buggy or construction equipment that I am attached to can only travel 25 MPH or less.

What Should You Do If You See Me? What Are YOUR Responsibilities?

 

  • If You See Me…
    • SLOW DOWN Immediately
    • Maintain Safe Following Distance
    • Do not pass a slow-moving vehicle if:
      • You cannot see clearly in front of you and the vehicle you intend to pass;
      • There are curves or hills in the road ahead;
      • You are in a designated “No Passing Zone” or;
      • You are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, elevated structure or tunnel.
    • Be Patient, Stay Alert & Be Prepared To Stop

     

  • Your Responsibilities
    • Know what the slow moving vehicle emblem represents.
    • Drive defensively and watch for slow-moving vehicles on public roads. Give special attention to turning vehicles.
    • Be patient. Farm machinery cannot travel at high speeds

 

 

 

 

Drive with reason… It’s farming season!

Country roads and farmland are scenic and peaceful, but they also can be dangerous for farmers moving their equipment and for motorists using the same roads.

 

During the busy farming seasons such as spring planting, summer and fall harvest, the Sherburne Grange #1400 offer some tips for motorists.

 

What is an SMV sign?
SMV stands for slow moving vehicle. The SMV sign must be displayed on all farm equipment designed to operate at speeds 25 miles per hour or less when traveling on the road.

 

When you see a SMV sign:

  • Slow down immediately and use caution.
  • Avoid passing on double yellow lines, around blind curves or hill crests, or other vehicles in line behind the farm equipment.
  • Watch for hand signals, turn signals, driveways or other signs that indicate the slow moving vehicle is preparing to turn.
  • Pass with caution, slowly and deliberately, watching for other traffic and sudden turns.
  • Above all, be patient and kind by staying behind.

Farm equipment may use other safety alerts like:

  • Lights and reflectors positioned to the extreme left and right of their sides
  • Driver use of turn or hand signals
  • Reflector tape (usually white, silver or red)
  • Use of lights from sundown to sunrise
  • An escort vehicle that may display a flashing, oscillating or rotating light or warning lights.

Is that farmer pulling over to allow me to pass? Not necessarily!

  • Accidents occur when motorists hurry around farm vehicles, resulting in injury or death.
  • Large farm equipment making a left turn needs extra space. Equipment may be pulling over to turn left.
  • Tractors move into the center lane to avoid hitting guardrails or mailboxes that those following can’t see.
  • Tractor operators can’t always pull off the road immediately due to ditches or available safe space.

One final note:
SMV signs may only be used for motorized vehicles designed to travel at speeds of 25 miles an hour or less on the road. Any other use is illegal. Examples of illegal uses include marking stationary objects such as mailboxes, driveways, gates or using the sign on vehicles moving faster than 25 miles per hour like trucks or vans.

Information courtesy of Sherburne Grange #1400, SherburneGrange.org.