SHARE THE ROAD: Local officials urge farmers and motorists to share responsibility amidst spring planting season

It’s spring, and that means it’s time for planting.

As farmers and agriculture producers begin preparing to work the fields and plant their crops, local officials are urging motorists to beware of the increased presence of farm equipment machinery on the roadways.

“This time of year, we are now beginning to see farm vehicles and equipment on the roads and motorists need to be ready to respond appropriately. These vehicles are extremely important to Oneida County’s agriculture community,” said Oneida County Sheriff, Rob Maciol.

“This season brings more farm equipment onto our roadways, often moving at slower speeds and requiring extra space to operate safely. Drivers need to stay alert, be patient and recognize that these vehicles are simply doing the work that sustains our communities," said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.

Farmers are reminded that each piece of machinery needs to be up to standard for when it comes to slow moving vehicle emblems being clearly displayed.

If you happen to drive upon a tractor or some sort of farm equipment on the road, police officials strongly urge to only pass when it is absolutely safe and legal to do so.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office has provided these following tips:

• Slow down immediately.
• Increase following distance to create a safety cushion.
• Be alert and watch for unexpected turns.
• Pass with care only when it is safe and legal to do so.
• Be aware that animal-powered vehicles may make unanticipated movements.
• Be aware that equipment in tow may sway on the road.
• Remember slow-moving vehicle operators may have poor visibility due to loads and equipment in tow.

Operators of the farm tractors & equipment should be aware that the slow-moving vehicle triangle should be placed in the center of the back end of the vehicle, located two to six feet above the road, and kept clean and replaced when faded.

Each piece of agricultural equipment, whether self-propelled or used in combination, must separately display the required emblems. It is illegal to put slow-moving vehicle emblems on stationary objects – such as mailboxes or driveway posts.

Under state law, self-propelled agricultural equipment can be used on public roads after dark and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet when it has two white headlamps, one red tail light on the rear as far left as possible and two amber lamps at least 42 inches high and visible from the front and rear.

Vehicles drawn by animals (horse & buggy) must display on the rear either a slow-moving vehicle triangle or a lighted lantern with a red lens at least four inches in diameter, with the center of the lens to be 42 inches above the ground, the lantern to be near the left edge of the vehicle.

The vehicle also should have 72 square inches of a high quality white or whitish-gray reflective tape.

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