Dutchess County Shares Tractor Safety Tips for Hudson Valley Drivers

Farming Season is Here in the Hudson Valley

Cultivating Dutchess and Dutchess County Government are reminding drivers that it is farming season across the region.

They're also taking this opportunity to give details on how to properly share the road with slow moving vehicles, like tractors.

In a social media post, they share a story from last spring in Dutchess County where a farmer was driving a tractor on a local backroad.

READ MORE: Hudson Valley Farm Gives Update on Damaged Crops

The story goes on to explain the tractor had its "lights on, his slow-moving vehicle emblem clean and bright, and he was making a simple left turn into a driveway he'd used thousands of times."

Unfortunately, a driver behind him "misjudge the tractor's speed."

 Thinking the tractor was pulling to the right, the car began to pass just as the farmer started his left turn. In a split second, a routine trip became a collision.

With that, Dutchess County is making sure drivers in cars, trucks and tractors know how to keep each other safe this farming season.

What To Do When Sharing The Road With a Tractor

It happens from time to time, especially this time of year in the Hudson Valley, you'll find yourself sharing the road with a tractor.

Some drivers may not know what to do in this situation, others may think they know and create a dangerous situation for themselves and the tractor operator.

According to Cultivating Dutchess, there are a few rules to follow if you're driving a car or pick-up truck and are sharing the road with a tractor.

They say you should immediately slow down when approaching farm equipment. Drivers should also keep a safe following distance since tractors can stop or slow suddenly.

Additionally, if you are going to pass the tractor you should "Pass only when you have a long, clear view ahead."

Expect wide turns - equipment may swing right before turning left. Be patient. Most equipment is on the road for a short stretch.

They add "A few extra moments of caution protect farmers, families, and everyone who uses rural roads."

Farmers Use Extra Caution on Rural Hudson Valley Roads

Did you know it takes a tractor 3 minutes to drive 1 mile while going 20MPH?

Tractor drivers, and slow moving vehicles, should follow the following rules when driving on rural roads, according to Dutchess County Government:

• Use lights and turn signals anytime you're on the road.

• Make sure Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblems are clean and visible.

• Double-check mirrors before turning or crossing traffic.

• Avoid combining road and shoulder travel - soft edges can cause rollovers.

• When possible, choose routes or times that reduce traffic exposure.

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