Drivers, Farmers Urged to Share the Road Safely During 2026 Harvest

As Missouri enters the fall harvest season, motorists and farmers are being urged to stay alert as slow-moving agricultural equipment returns to roadways across the state.

In 2025, Missouri recorded 163 traffic crashes involving farm equipment or implements. One person was killed and 37 people were injured in those crashes.

Farm machinery and passenger vehicles can encounter each other on any road and at any hour. Officials say many collisions can be prevented when everyone treats driving as a full-time responsibility, remains attentive and obeys traffic laws.

Before traveling on a roadway, farmers should make sure equipment is properly marked with working lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. Lights and reflective materials should be kept clean and free of debris so they remain visible.

Escort vehicles can help warn motorists when equipment is wider than the travel lane, especially on narrow roads or where hills and curves limit sight distance. Equipment operators should stay as far to the right as possible and, when they can, avoid traveling at dawn or dusk, when visibility is reduced.

ATVs used for farming may travel on highways only during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. Missouri law requires operators younger than 18 to wear a safety helmet, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends helmet use for operators of every age.

State law allows agricultural machinery and implements to operate on state highways after dark for agricultural purposes when the vehicles have the required lighting. Farmers should also use seat belts when operating modern tractors equipped with a roll-over protection structure.

Drivers approaching a tractor or other slow-moving equipment should reduce speed, remain patient and allow extra following distance. They should pass only when they have a clear view of the road ahead and no traffic is approaching. Passing on a bridge or where a hill or curve blocks the view is unsafe.

One common collision occurs when a motorist tries to pass farm equipment that is turning left. A tractor that moves toward the right side of the road may not be inviting traffic to pass; the operator may be preparing for a wide left turn. Motorists should watch the farmer’s hand signals and vehicle lights closely.

Drivers should also watch for farm equipment entering or leaving highways from side roads and driveways. Extra caution is needed around dawn and dusk, when glare from the sun can make machinery and other vehicles more difficult to see.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Drivers Urged to Stay Alert as Harvest Season Begins

As Missouri enters the fall harvest season, state authorities are urging both farmers and motorists to exercise heightened caution on roadways. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports there were 194 reported traffic crashes in Missouri involving farm equipment, resulting in two fatalities and 65 injuries in 2024. With farmers and drivers sharing rural and urban roads at all hours, officials stress that many of these incidents can be prevented through attentiveness and adherence to traffic laws.

Farmers are reminded to properly mark their equipment with functioning lights and the distinctive orange “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when traveling on public roads. Keeping these lights and reflective markers clean and clear of debris is vital for visibility. Those moving wide equipment are encouraged to use escort vehicles, particularly on narrow roads or in areas where hills and curves restrict sight lines. If traffic builds up behind slow-moving equipment, farmers should pull off onto level ground when safe, allowing vehicles to pass and reduce congestion.

Traveling at dawn or dusk should be avoided due to low visibility, and all-terrain vehicles used for agricultural work must comply with state laws, including travel during daylight hours only, appropriate lights, flags, and slow-moving vehicle emblems. Safety helmets are mandatory for operators under 18, but recommended for all ages. Importantly, agricultural machinery is permitted on state highways at night if properly illuminated, and seat belt use is advised for those operating tractors with roll-over protection.

Drivers are urged to remain alert for slow-moving farm equipment, especially during harvest season. Patience is crucial when driving behind tractors or combines—motorists should reduce speed and wait for clear, unobstructed views before attempting to pass. Passing should never occur on bridges, hills, or curves where sight distance is limited.

Collisions often happen when a motorist misinterprets a farm vehicle’s movements, such as when a tractor veers right before making a wide left turn. Watching for hand or light signals from farmers can prevent such accidents. Extra attention is needed when farm equipment enters or exits highways from side roads or driveways, especially during early morning or evening hours when sunlight can impair visibility.

With increased awareness and cooperation, both farmers and drivers can help ensure a safer harvest season for all Missourians.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.