As Wisconsin farmers move equipment between fields, our roadways become busier with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. From early spring planting through fall harvest, large, slow-moving machinery becomes a common sight on rural highways and county roads, often sharing space with commuters, school buses, and recreational traffic. This seasonal increase in agricultural activity creates unique safety challenges, as motorists may not be prepared to encounter wide equipment traveling at reduced speeds. For farmers, safely navigating these interactions requires a combination of preparation and awareness.
To help keep everyone safe during busy seasons, Inspector Kory Schultz with the Wisconsin State Patrol offers these five essential road safety tips.
1. Prioritize farm equipment maintenance
Prioritizing farm equipment maintenance is a critical step in ensuring safe travel on Wisconsin roadways, where agricultural machinery often shares space with faster-moving vehicles. Before hitting the road, ensure your machinery is in good working condition, whether it’s a Class A tractor, farm implement, or tractor-trailer.
Always perform a thorough check, specifically focusing on brakes and tires, which are your first point of contact with the road and essential for maintaining control, especially when carrying heavy loads or traveling on uneven rural routes. Beyond that, inspect steering systems, hydraulic lines, and hitch connections to confirm everything is secure and responsive. It’s also important to check that mirrors provide a clear rear view and that any wide equipment is properly marked.
Routine maintenance not only reduces the likelihood of breakdowns but also helps operators respond more effectively to sudden stops, turns, or unexpected traffic conditions.
2. Understand regulations & registration
It is vital to know when your activities fall under “exempt” farm operations versus “commerce” because it affects which laws and regulations apply to you.
Moving equipment from field to field or farm to farm is generally “exempt” from certain federal regulations, including USDOT requirements and driver’s license mandates for operators, especially if you are operating within a specific distance from your farm and not hauling goods for hire
However, once you enter the act of “commerce” when you are operating more like a commercial carrier, such as providing custom farm work or hauling product that is not your own, these exemptions are not valid and stricter rules typically apply.
For farmers driving on Wisconsin roads, this distinction matters because it determines what safety standards, equipment requirements, and legal responsibilities you must follow. Misunderstanding your status could lead to violations, fines, or increased liability in the event of an accident. Knowing where your operation falls ensures you stay compliant while also maintaining safe practices for both yourself and other drivers sharing the road. Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to clarify your legal requirements.
3. Maximize visibility
When operating agricultural machinery on public roads, ensure that all required lights and flashers are not only present but properly functioning, as visibility plays a major role in preventing collisions. This includes:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Flashing amber warning lights that are visible in low-light or poor weather conditions.
- Displaying clean and clearly visible Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblems on the rear of equipment is critical, as these reflective triangles alert approaching drivers to reduced travel speeds.
- Use reflective tape or markings along the sides of wide implements to improve nighttime visibility.
By combining proper equipment maintenance with strategic operation practices, farmers can alert civilian drivers to their presence and the size of equipment to safely share Wisconsin’s rural roads.
4. Drive defensively
Farmers must be defensive drivers on the road, anticipating the behavior of motorists who may be unfamiliar with agricultural equipment or impatient when encountering slower-moving vehicles. Civilians are often not expecting large machinery, especially on rural highways or during peak travel times, which increases the need for constant awareness and proactive decision-making.
When preparing to make a left-hand turn into a field or driveway—one of the most dangerous maneuvers—signal early, reduce speed gradually, and continuously check mirrors for approaching traffic. If necessary, you may need to utilize more of the roadway to clearly communicate your intent and prevent others from attempting to pass while you are maneuvering. This positioning can act as a visual cue to drivers that a turn is imminent, reducing confusion and risk. Remember, passing an implement of husbandry in a no-passing zone is against the law but always expect the unexpected.
Maintain safe following distances, avoid sudden movements, and be especially cautious near intersections, hills, and curves where visibility is limited. By driving defensively and deliberately, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and promote safer interactions between agricultural equipment and everyday traffic.
5. Follow protocol if an accident occurs
If an accident happens, focus on safety first:
- Move to safety: If possible, move to the side of the road to avoid traffic.
- Check for injuries: Assess the situation and, if anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Report the incident: Do not delay! Call 911 to get emergency services and law enforcement on the scene.
- Document everything: Once the scene is stabilized, have your identification, insurance information, and any relevant documentation ready for law enforcement. If you have a dash camera, the footage can be valuable for providing an unbiased view of the incident.
As the number one farm insurer in Wisconsin, we provide knowledge and insight to help you make the best decisions to protect your farm and way of life. That’s why we go beyond the policy by providing educational content on best practices – from farm safety to succession planning. Reach out to a local agent to learn more.
