“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.