Pennsylvania farmers are returning to their fields for spring planting, which means that drivers should be alert for large farm equipment on rural roadways.

As part of Rural Roads Safety Week, April 14 to 20, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and its partners in the state government encouraged motorists to be cautious on roadways. Each year, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau partners with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania State Police to spread the message of staying safe on rural roads during the height of the spring planting season.

Farm equipment can legally be operated on roadways, including at night, but farmers are required to follow certain safety guidelines depending on the size of equipment moved. All farm equipment that travels at speeds less than 25 miles per hour is required to have a slow-moving vehicle emblem - an orange triangle with red outline - on the back of the equipment.

If drivers see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, they should slow down immediately. Drivers should be alert that farm equipment may be turning at an unexpected place, such as into a field, and may be making a wide left turn if it pulls to the right. Drivers should always be sure the oncoming lane is clear and visible before passing large equipment, and they should never pass in a no-passing zone or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel. Drivers are also reminded to be patient, wear a seat belt, and not drive impaired or distracted.

PFB, along with representatives from PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, as well as state Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., held a demonstration and event promoting Rural Roads Safety Week at Bill and Joyce Krug's Farm in Loretto on April 15. County farm bureaus across Pennsylvania also hold local events in their communities to promote safe driving on rural roads.

For additional information about Rural Roads Safety Week and safety tips for drivers and farmers, visit http://www.pfb.com/RRS.