Sangamon Sun

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding both motorists and farmers to prioritize traffic safety on state roads during the fall harvest season. With agriculture being a major industry in Illinois, increased movement of farm equipment between fields is expected in the coming months.

To help prevent accidents involving tractors and other farm machinery, ISP has issued several safety guidelines for drivers. These include sharing the road, allowing extra travel time, increasing following distance behind wide or slow-moving vehicles, and reducing speed when encountering farm equipment.

Motorists are also advised to recognize that flashing amber lights indicate caution and that orange and red reflective triangles warn of slower speeds. Passing in no passing zones or within 100 feet of intersections, railroad crossings, or bridges remains illegal and dangerous. ISP warns that improper passing around farm equipment can have deadly consequences.

Drivers should watch for turn indications from farmers. While some newer machines have turn signals, older models may rely on hand signals. Additionally, motorists should be ready to yield to wide equipment.

"Share the road and be patient. Allow for extra travel time," said an ISP spokesperson. "Increase following distance to improve sight lines when driving behind wide, slow-moving vehicles."

Wayne Rosenthal was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 108th House District in 2023, succeeding Charles Meier.

For more information about Representative Rosenthal's election: https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3226

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