It was recently reported the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) will be working together on an initiative to prevent farm related crashes throughout the State of Georgia. The director of the GOHS, Harris Blackwood, told Albany’s WXFL News, “We’ve had too many crashes where people have injured or killed. That’s the problem. We want to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on the roads.” The effort – called “Yield Behind the Wheel” – was motivated by the fact that there are hundreds of farm related crashes each year in Georgia, and roughly 10-15 fatalities. Authorities working on the outreach initiative hope to reduce these numbers.
Farmers routinely must use highways and other roads to get farm equipment from one area of a farm to another, or to travel from one farm to another. In most cases, these types of vehicles can only travel 15-25 miles per hour. They also have very poor mobility, and are often wider than even the largest trucks. As a result, it is important for farmers and other drivers to use caution when using roadways at the same time.
Farm Vehicles and Georgia Law
Farmers in Georgia are permitted to operate slow-moving vehicles, such as tractors or combines, on Georgia roadways because it is a necessary part of their jobs. However, this permitted use is limited by several restrictions. Under Title 40 Chapter 8 Section 4 of the Official Code of Georgia, any vehicle that travels slower than 25 miles per hour must have vehicle reflector triangles. Wide vehicles must also have reflectors that mark the edges of the vehicle. According to the GOHS, farmers should avoid using highways during the daytime, and if traveling longer distances should have marked pilot cars in front and behind the farm vehicle.
All other drivers on the road have a duty to watch out for farmers and drive with caution when they see farm equipment or farm vehicles using a roadway. Drivers should remember that farmers have a right to use roadways and should be patient. Too many accidents when drivers attempt to pass slow moving farm equipment without leaving enough room or without properly yielding to traffic in other lanes.
If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident, Call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, Today
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, are dedicated to getting accident victims the compensation they deserve. Accident cases involving farm vehicles can be especially complex. If you or a loved one has been injured in a farm related crash, the Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, legal team can help you understand your legal rights and options. Attorney Joel Williams has helped injury victims in Georgia bring personal injury claims for more than 10 years and he works hard to maximize his clients’ compensation in every case. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, offers free personal injury accident consultations. To discuss your case, call 833-LEGALGA today.
