With Fall comes Harvesting season. With farm equipment heavily out and about during this time, we need to be reminded to be aware and to be patient when approaching such equipment. Harvesting machinery is much bigger, wider, slower than the other vehicles sharing the roads.
Some common accidents involving farm machinery are multiple-vehicle accidents, rear-end and sideswipe collisions, and single-vehicle accidents. There are ways in reducing the risks of these accidents. Farming equipment should be marked with things like reflection tape or signs, flags, and lights and they should be cleared of debris and dirt so motorists can clearly see them. Emblem signage installation indicating that you are in a slow moving vehicle and drivers will be required to adjust their speed.
Drivers of large equipment need to use their rearview and side mirrors so they can identify their highway position as well as others. If and when possible equipment should be driven on the roads less traveled and always use turn signals. Drivers of passenger cars need to have patience and pay close attention to the roads. Distracted driving and impatience are also the culprits in an auto and farm equipment accident.
Data shows that from 2005-2008 there were approximately 1,000 accidents in the nine Midwest states and most were on the high-speed highway versus rural roads. If you have been in an auto accident call Meyerkord & Kurth today and schedule a free initial consult with one our St. Louis Personal Injury Attorneys. There are standards every driver needs to apply when operating a vehicle whether it is a car, truck, or farming equipment and we will believe in compensation for our clients at the negligence of someone else. Contact us today for a free consultation.