For nighttime driving visibility is the key to your safety. When driving
at night use all of the same safety practices you use in the day .. . plus a
few more. If possible, have an escort vehicle
with the appropriate signs and lights accompany you.
If an escort is not available then make your tractor visible to other
traffic by using your headlights and tail lights.
Flashing amber lights may not be required, but they can make you more
visible - - especially on a dark and rainy highway.
If your tractor is equipped with turn signals, be sure to use them when
signaling turns-- especially at night.
Towing equipment with your tractor is a common task and may be something you
do every day. To tow safely, there are a few steps that must be
followed.
Be sure to hitch to the drawbar only. Never hitch to an axle or other part
of the tractor.
Like turnovers caused by steep inclines, incorrect hitching can
also result in a Rear Axle Turnover. This is a situation caused by hitching to a
point too high on the tractor, and can be very dangerous. The potential for
this occurring is made even worse if the tractor is working on an incline.
Rear Axle Turnover can develop in the blink of an eye and be upon the driver
before he knows what is happening.
Always use a safety chain: It can keep a hitch that comes loose from turning
into a disaster.
Safety chains must be attached with a positive locking device to prevent
them coming loose. Make sure the chain you use is strong enough to
support your load. Check locks, pins and other
attachment devices. Lock the drawbar to the center
position if you will be traveling at higher speeds on streets or roads.
Lock the drawbar to the center position if you will be traveling at
higher speeds on streets or roads.
Make sure that you set the equipment up in the proper transport position.
Keeping implements low to the ground gives
good driving stability and keeps your vision from being impaired. But be
sure to keep them high enough so you don't scrape on the pavement when the
road gets bumpy. Check the manufacturer's manual for
details if you have questions about how to set your equipment for road
transport.
If your equipment requires a threepoint- hitch be sure to follow the
manufacturer's directions. Lift carriers or implement carriers
need to be driven slowly to maintain control.
Measure the length and width of the PTO you will be towing and know the
rules and regulations for permits, flagging, and lights regarding extra
long or wide loads.
The maximum speed for lift carriers is 35 miles-per-hour.
Watch for side to side swaying of the equipment being transported.
If possible, have a warning or escort vehicle travel with you.
When towing liquids start and stop extra slowly.
The liquid sloshing front to back when starting or stopping can destabilize
your trailer causing loss of control. Likewise, make slow turns to avoid
side to side slosh that can tip a trailer.
Carry an appropriate fire extinguisher if you will be transporting flammable
materials.
Some of the most common things that some of the drivers can do that are driving
these farm tractors, is to look and check the
drivers behind them. Around the front of them, and off to the sides. Check their slow moving
emblem signs, make sure they are secure. And, set up on the back of there equipment. Turn
their lights on, and get as much visibility as they
possibly can out there.
Driving a tractor on the roads and highways can be done safely if it is
done correctly. Remember to obey all of the traffic laws, and to find out
what rules apply to your situation. Look both ways and enter the roadway
with extreme caution.
Be sure to maintain and use your warning lights.
And keep your SMV, or slow moving vehicle sign clean and visible at all
times. Once you are on the road, drive at a
slow but steady pace. Be courteous and pull off the road safely to let
backed-up traffic pass. Signal turns and stops clearly to
other drivers. When driving at night make your
tractor as visible as possible. If you are towing a trailer or
implement make sure you are using a safety chain,
warning lights, and flags, if required.
Always keep an eye out for other drivers and drive defensively. Using
these few safety tips will help insure that you and your tractor make it to
your destination
and home safely.