The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges drivers to use caution this fall season as farmers begin harvesting and deer become more active.
Farmers across the state have started harvesting their crops and will be doing so for the next several weeks. This means drivers will see farm machinery traveling Missouri’s roads, especially in rural areas. MSHP reminds all drivers to share the road, obey all traffic laws and be safe, courteous drivers.
According to a news release, in 2021, there were 203 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment. In those crashes, seven people were killed and 60 were injured.
Tips for farmers:
• Make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway.
• If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area so that vehicles can pass.
• Always drive as far to the right as possible.
• It's harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so don't travel on the road during those times if possible.
• Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a "slow-moving vehicle" emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age.
The release states that Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes, provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.
Tips for drivers:
• Stay alert for slow-moving farm equipment.
• When you drive up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, slow down and be patient.
• Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.
• Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.
• It's important to pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.
Col. Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, also reminds drivers that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists this time of year.
According to a news release, the majority of deer strike crashes occur in October and November each year, with the largest number taking place in November. Although deer strikes can occur at any time, most occur during the 6 to 6:59 a.m. and 6 to 8:59 p.m. timeframe.
The release states that in 2021, drivers in Missouri experienced 3,779 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every two hours and 18 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were three fatalities and 420 people were injured.
If you strike a deer, move your vehicle to a safe location and call 911 or *55 on a cell phone and report it.
Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed gradually while watching other traffic around you. Other drivers may be doing the same, so be sure to pay attention and always wear your seat belt.
Rural areas are not the only place where deer/vehicle strikes occur. Drivers in urban areas of the state should watch for deer as well.
Deer often travel in groups, so stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer. Natural features also affect deer movement. In areas with streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland, look for more deer to cross roadways. At night, watch for deer eyes to reflect your headlights, which could give you more time to react to their presence.
Remember that deer behavior changes due to mating season, which may cause an increase in sightings and roadway crossings. Hunting and crop harvesting may result in these animals being in places they aren’t usually seen.
