SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As fall harvest gets into full swing across Central Illinois, you are going to see a lot more heavy farm equipment, combines, and tractors moving between fields on local roads and highways.
Illinois State Police are urging drivers and farmers to stay alert and share the road safely to prevent crashes.
State crash figures highlight the risk this season: data shows 275 crashes involving farm tractors or equipment occurred across Illinois in 2024.
When driving behind slow-moving farm equipment, slow down, leave extra travel time, and increase your following distance so you can see around wide machinery. Pay close attention to flashing lights and orange and red reflective triangles.
Illinois State Police remind drivers that passing in a no-passing zone or within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, or bridge is both illegal and extremely hazardous. Watch for turn indications, including hand signals from farmers driving older equipment.
State troopers are also encouraging farmers to avoid busy roads during peak rush hours and low-visibility conditions, wipe off field dust and mud from warning lights and reflectors, and safely pull over to the shoulder when traffic builds up behind them.
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