MDOT Tells Drivers to Share the Road with Farmers this Harvesting Season
MARYLAND – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration is issuing an advisory to motorists this fall harvest season.
In partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Farm Bureau, MDOT is reminding drivers to share the road safely with large farm equipment as farmers begin their crop harvesting. The department reports that from 2020 to 2024, there were more than 235 crashes involving farm equipment on Maryland roads.
“With days getting shorter and farmers harvesting their crops for the season, it is especially important for drivers to use extra caution for farm equipment,” said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “We are serious about safety – for all highway users, including those operating farm equipment.”
Drivers are recommended to add additional drive time to account for any farm-equipment related delays. If motorists choose to pass combines in areas where passing is permitted, they are advised to use extreme caution and to not pass while navigating turns, hills, or where sight distance is limited. Passing is illegal within one hundred feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
Further, motorists are instructed to not assume that a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road is going to turn right or is letting drivers pass. Due to the size of select farm implements, some farmers must execute wide left- turns. Additionally, road shoulders may be soft, wet or steep, and this can prevent a farm vehicle from being able to safely move over for other motorists.
“Our farmers work hard in order to sustain our state, so let’s support them by keeping them safe while they do their job, said Maryland Farm Bureau President, Jamie Raley. “When encountering farm equipment on the road, please slow down, remain vigilant, and only pass when it is safe and legal to do so.”
Harvest season in Maryland is expected to last through the end of November.
