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Friday, May 26, 2017

Sheriff: With the Weather Changing, Watch Out for Slow Moving Vehicles

With the Weather Changing, Watch Out for Slow Moving Vehicles Ardent Solutions, Inc. and members of Allegany County’s Slow Moving Vehicle Advisory Board remind motorists that with warmer weather arriving, drivers, especially in our rural areas, should keep an eye out for slow-moving vehicles (SMV) like farm equipment, road-construction trucks, or horse and buggies.  A slow-moving vehicle is described as one traveling 25 miles per hour or below, operators of which also should have a Slow Moving Vehicle Sign visibly displayed.

“As the weather continues to warm up and farmers head out to their fields, we want to remind drivers of both Slow Moving Vehicles and motor vehicles to keep alert,” stated Allison Green, Ardent Solutions’ Community Education Specialist.

“The Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem is one safety tool that slow moving vehicle operators, including farmers, can use, and it signifies to other drivers that the vehicle is travelling at a reduced speed, maximum travel speed of 25 miles per hour or less, and may be making unexpected stops or turns,” explained Sheriff Rick Whitney. “Operators are reminded that they are required to use the SMV emblem when travelling on roadways at speeds of less than 25 miles per hour on all farm equipment.”

The slow-moving vehicle emblem consists of a fluorescent yellow-orange triangle with a dark red reflective border. It is 14 inches high and 16 inches wide. The yellow-orange fluorescent triangle is for daylight identification. The reflective border defines the shape of the fluorescent color in daylight and becomes a hollow red triangle in the path of motor vehicle headlights at night.

“It is extremely important for drivers to keep an eye out for slow-moving vehicles in all seasons, but especially as the warmer weather approaches,” said Lynn Bliven, Agricultural Issue Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension. “Drivers just don’t realize how quickly the distance between a vehicle traveling the speed limit and one going under 25 miles per hour closes. Before they know it they’re on top of the tractor or horse-and-buggy. I encourage drivers to safely share the road and operators of slow moving vehicles to be visible day and night.”

While Slow Moving Vehicles can be on the road any time of year, the peak season for them is from late April through mid-October.  Drivers of slow-moving vehicles are not supposed to move out of other motorists’ way, and the same passing laws apply to slow-moving vehicles as to any other car or truck on the road.

As well, the SMV emblem cannot be used to replace warning devices such as tail lamps, reflectors, flashing lights, warning flags or flares; as a clearance marker for wide loads or equipment. Sheriff Whitney also warns that it is unlawful to use the SMV emblem on any stationary object.

“Using SMV emblems on any stationary object; such as driveway markers, on trees, poles or a mailbox is a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic law, and it diminishes the true purpose of the safety device. Drivers may become desensitized to the SMV emblems and not pay as much attention to them,” stated Whitney. “Fines for doing so can be as high as $150 plus a surcharge in NYS. They also can be declared a ‘public nuisance,’ and any police officer or public authority is empowered to remove them or cause them to be removed without notice.”
While a slow-moving vehicle with the SMV emblem attached and visible from the rear is being transported upon another vehicle, other than another slow-moving vehicle, the SMV emblem must be covered in such a manner that it will not be visible to traffic.
Farmers can stay safe and visible during road travel with farm equipment by using reflective strips to show the size of farm equipment, use flashers and turn signals, use the SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem on each piece of agricultural equipment, replace an SMV emblem that becomes dirty, broken or faded; it is ineffective and illegal. As well, farmers may wish to consider using an escort vehicle if moving large equipment on the road and to pull over, when safe, to allow motorists to pass (do not flag motorist around you).
Motorist that encounter farm machinery or animal drawn vehicles on roadways can stay safe by being alert for SMV emblems, reflectors, or flashing lights; slowing down when you see an SMV sign, being careful when trying to pass equipment, and pass with caution, and by being aware of possible left-sided turns into fields.
For further information about slow moving vehicles, please visit Ardent Solutions on the web at www.ardentnetwork.org or call Allison Green at 585-593-5223, ext. 1017.