On January 31, Kent County Farm Bureau President Jim Minner presented essential rural road safety information to attendees of the Mar-Del Watermelon Convention in Cambridge, Maryland.
Minner’s presentation focused on critical safety measures for operating farm equipment on roadways. He highlighted the heightened risk associated with farm vehicle crashes (FVCs), noting that these incidents are significantly more likely to result in fatalities compared to regular road accidents. Citing data from the Delaware Department of Highway Safety, he informed attendees about the specific days and times when farm-related crashes are most prevalent.
With experience as a former Highway Equipment Fleet Manager at Delaware Department of Transportation and a current farmer, Minner provided firsthand insight into the dangers posed by farm equipment on public roads. To mitigate the risk of FVCs, he emphasized the importance of enhanced lighting and the use of escort vehicles.
Minner referenced Delaware Code regarding the use of warning lights on farm vehicles, which states, “Any vehicle may be equipped with lamps which may be used for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing and when so equipped may display such warning in addition to any other warning signals required by this subchapter.”
To illustrate best practices, Minner demonstrated various lighting options that farmers can install on their equipment, including bolt-on and magnetic lights. He cautioned attendees to ensure compliance with state regulations, explaining that front-mounted lights should display simultaneously flashing white to amber shades, while rear-mounted lights should flash amber to red.
Emphasizing the importance of proper light placement, Minner stated, “Drivers aren’t looking for airplanes… the lower you can mount those lights on a vehicle, the better. In my experience, I prefer positioning them where the four-way flashers are located.”
Minner also shared practical tips for mounting lights, advising farmers to ensure visibility even when machinery is folded and to protect lights from damage caused by tree limbs or other obstacles. As a simple maintenance rule, he recommended cleaning lights whenever cleaning windows to maintain optimal visibility.
Beyond lighting, Minner stressed the benefits of using escort vehicles, particularly when transporting large equipment on busy or narrow roads. He noted that front and rear escorts enhance visibility, help control traffic, and improve safety when crossing narrow bridges, navigating curves, or traveling in high-traffic areas. He urged farmers to remain vigilant and use clear communication when moving equipment.
Farmers without their own escort vehicles can utilize the Delaware State Police’s Jobs4Blue program. Through this program, farmers can request an off-duty officer for escort services. For more details, visit dsp.delaware.gov/hire-off-duty-trooper/.
For those interested in learning more about farm safety, Delaware Farm Bureau invites them to attend the Delaware Ag Safety Conference on March 26. RSVP at defb.org/promotion-and-education/delaware-ag-safety.
