A farmer cultivates a newly plowed field planted with sweet potato slips. Photo credit: William Dyas
Agriculture in Northampton County is recognized as a vital segment of the economy. Warmer weather brings planting season! That means tractors and other farm equipment will be sharing our roads. The key to safety when sharing the road with farm equipment is to be patient.
The Farm Bureau reminds drivers to slow down and be aware of farmers driving tractors and other farm equipment on local roads.
Farm Bureau also reminds farmers and growers to make safety a priority – on the roads and on the farm.
Triangular Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblems can help drivers identify tractors and other large vehicles that travel 25 mph or less. Additional road safety tips are below. 
- At 55 miles per hour, it will take only five seconds to close a gap the length of a football field between you and a tractor going five miles per hour.
- Watch for hand signals that a tractor driver may use to signal turning or stopping.
- Do not pull out in front of farm equipment. It cannot stop or slow down as easily as a car, especially if pulling other equipment.
- If an over sized farm vehicle is coming your way from the opposite direction, make sure you can pass it safely. If not, pull over and wait for it to pass.
- Remember that if you must slow down to 20 mph behind a tractor for two miles, you will only lose six minute
Farm equipment displaying the SMV Triangular emblem. Photo credit: Liam Flynn
Together, farmers and non-farming members of the public can make our roads – and the business of farming – safer.
Photo credit: William Dyas
For more information about Agriculture in Northampton County please visit our Bountiful Northampton pages:
Agriculture
Aquaculture
Viticulture
Saltworks