(MICHIGAN) - Michigan State Police want to remind drivers to use caution as spring planting season gets underway across our region.
Farmers are beginning to move large equipment such as tractors and planters between fields, increasing the presence of slow-moving vehicles on local roads. Officials say those vehicles typically travel between 10 and 25 miles per hour and can be significantly wider than a single lane, sometimes reaching up to 20 feet.
Motorists are urged to slow down and remain patient when encountering farm machinery, especially on narrow rural roads where operators may need extra space to avoid obstacles like mailboxes or guardrails.
State police recommend drivers watch for the bright orange slow-moving vehicle triangle and maintain at least 50 feet of following distance. Drivers are also cautioned to avoid "panic passing" and only pass when there is clear visibility and no oncoming traffic.
Troopers note that farm equipment often makes wide left turns, which can be misinterpreted by drivers attempting to pass.
Officials also warn that if a driver cannot see the operator in the equipment's mirrors, the operator likely cannot see them, making it important to stay out of blind spots.