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Chapter 7 — Tractor Safety on the Road


Objectives

Youth will:

  • increase their knowledge of regulations for operation of tractors and self-propelled farm machinery on public roads.
  • be able to identify lighting and marking requirements for travel on public roads.
  • practice proper procedures for stopping at intersections and scanning for traffic.
  • increase their knowledge of proper procedures for driving on the road.
  • be able to explain hazards of road travel.
  • be able to explain the value and importance of mirrors, flashers, and turn signals.

Resource Materials

Safe Operation of Agricultural Equipment, Student Manual
Questions and Answers on Lighting and Marking of Farm Equipment on Public Roads, Wisconsin Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
 

Video Resources

"Tractor Safety on the Road", Agricultural Equipment Operator Safety Series, Iowa State University Extension Service
 

Activity Ideas

  1. Invite a local sheriff's department representative in to discuss the regulations and enforcement of regulations regarding operation of tractors and agricultural equipment.
  2. Review the lighting and marking requirements for farm equipment on public roads. Have the youth check their own tractors and equipment for working lights, flashers, proper reflectors and SMV emblems.
  3. Discuss the use of hand and turn signals.
  4. Walk through the driving course or set up a course in the classroom using the desks, tables and chairs to practice scanning at an intersection and demonstrate the use of turn signals. While walking through have other students be oncoming vehicles, sign holders, or other hazards that can be encountered on the roads.
  5. Invite an insurance agent into the class to discuss the cost of accidents to farmers and vehicle owners, and the consequences of having an accident with a motor vehicle.
  6. Develop a variety of situations for road travel and have the group identify what the proper procedure would be if they were the tractor operator.

    Example situations:

    • You are driving a tractor and implement, and you can see a number of cars following behind you. One driver keeps pulling over the center line to see if he/she can pass. As the tractor driver, where should you be driving and what could you possibly do to let the cars safely pass you? You are now pulling a wide implement, what should you do to let cars safely pass you?
    • You are driving a tractor and pulling an implement and will be making a left hand turn into the farm driveway. You can see cars behind you. What should you do to make the turn? Same situation except that you are pulling a load of hay or forage wagon and cannot see behind you.
    • You are driving a tractor and implement on a curvy or hilly road and cars are behind you. The shoulder is wide enough for you to pull over safely. What do you do? Same situation but there is no place to pull over safely.


Checksheet Answers

    Answer true or false.

  1. False (page 75)
  2. True (page 71)
  3. False (page 71)
  4. True (page 74)
  5. True (page 74)
  6. Answer the following by placing the letter of the correct answer in the blank.

  7. D (page 74)
  8. C (page 75)
  9. B (page 71)
  10. B (page 72)
  11. A (page 74)