August 25, 2000

Take steps to protect yourself from dangers of rural driving

When you're driving on a highway in a rural area, you're at greater risk for a fatal crash than when you're driving in the city. You need to protect yourself when driving in the country, says John Shutske, farm safety and health specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

"In Minnesota, over two-thirds of all motor vehicle fatalities occur in rural areas," Shutske points out.

One of the most important things you can do to be safer on rural roads is to slow down, says Shutske. Keep your speed at or below the posted limits. If you're driving in the country and don't see a posted speed limit sign, remember that the maximum legal speed on most open non-freeway and non-interstate highways is 55 miles per hour. Speed limits are often posted lower because of road conditions, construction, curves, or hills.

Watch out for farm machinery when driving in the country, says Shutske. Remember that combines, tractors, and the implements they're pulling are usually traveling less than 25 miles per hour.

"Keep an eye out for the red and orange fluorescent 'slow moving vehicle' emblem and adjust your speed accordingly," says Shutske. "If you need to pass a farmer pulling his equipment on the highway, try to make visual contact if possible. Wait until the machinery operator knows you're there. Many farm equipment operators will pull their machine over where there is a safe area. However, that's not always possible, especially if the edge of the roadway is steep or without a shoulder."

If you're a farmer, make your implements as visible as possible, says Shutske. State laws regarding machinery lighting and marking are relatively complicated. They involve a combination of headlights, taillights, reflectors, flashers, and markings. Check with your local machinery dealer or law enforcement office for the details.

All self-propelled implements must have a clearly visible slow-moving vehicle emblem, Shutske points out. Flashing amber lights are required at all times on tractors and combines manufactured after Jan. 1, 1970.

Cell phones can be a danger for everyone driving on rural highways, including farmers. "For some farmers, using a wireless phone has become a routine part of their work," says Shutske. "However, several studies have indicated that using a phone while driving increases the potential for a serious collision by a factor of four. This makes the risk nearly as high as driving with blood alcohol above the legal limit."

The bottom line is to avoid using a wireless phone any time you are driving. "You're better off stopping in a safe location before you place your call," Shutske says.

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Source: John Shutske, (612) 625-9733
Editor: Joseph Kurtz, (612) 625-3168, jk@umn.edu

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2000/ruraldriving.html  This page was updated May 21, 2002 .
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