Operating your tractor on public road right of way

[CompactTractorFan]

Thanks, I am sure the subject has been covered here in the past but it seems that a "refresher" now and then helps newer members be informed. You are very wise to have such clear warning signals placed, and wiser still to be wearing a vest. As others mentioned, having as much visibility as possible is good practice.

In your case, motorists spotting you most likely think:

"Hey, traffic cones, guy wearing a traffic vest, bright orange tractor, hmmm...I better slow down, must be one of those government workers with government owned equipment MY tax dollars paid for, don't wanna hit anything I paid for...."

Sorry, could not resist kidding you....:laughing:

This is always a good topic to bring up...Let me add that when I place the cones out and wear the vest, I'm usually doing work on foot (not on the tractor). For example, raking leaves near the road, picking up trash, cleaning out the small "ditch", etc...Although, the tractor is usually parked nearby with my tools and such...I have had occation to take the tractor out on the road a few times to push snow from around our driveway, but I wait until there is no traffic, and I always have a spotter and the required safety equipment...


That's funny JD...I wonder of they think I'm an inmate when I'm picking up trash with my grabber...:laughing:

 

[Soundguy]

. BUT if some moron is texting and/or not paying attention and hits me from behind, I am out the cost of repairs at best or a new tractor at worst.

.

sounds like it's the moron's ins co that is out the money...

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

this weekend walmart was clearancing some hunting stuff. I picked up a blaze orange hat ( ballcap ) for 1.50$ to go with my tractor gear.

figure if I am stopped and working on the trator by the road.. that and the orange traffic vest and triangles will all help.. at least liability wise.

soundguy

This is always a good topic to bring up...Let me add that when I place the cones out and wear the vest, I'm usually doing work on foot (not on the tractor). For example, raking leaves near the road, picking up trash, cleaning out the small "ditch", etc...Although, the tractor is usually parked nearby with my tools and such...I have had occation to take the tractor out on the road a few times to push snow from around our driveway, but I wait until there is no traffic, and I always have a spotter and the required safety equipment...


That's funny JD...I wonder of they think I'm an inmate when I'm picking up trash with my grabber...:laughing:

 

[JDgreen227]

sounds like it's the moron's ins co that is out the money...

soundguy

Soundguy, Michigan is a "no-fault" insurance state, meaning MY insurance company pays for any damage to my INSURED vehicle....if I have no coverage on my vehicle my company doesn't pay for my damaged vehicle, although I can go after the other driver in court, but it would take forever to collect.

 

[JDgreen227]

this weekend walmart was clearancing some hunting stuff. I picked up a blaze orange hat ( ballcap ) for 1.50$ to go with my tractor gear.

figure if I am stopped and working on the trator by the road.. that and the orange traffic vest and triangles will all help.. at least liability wise.

soundguy

For SUPER HIGH VISIBILITY, you could always cut down an orange traffic cone and wear it on your head out there, OOOPS, I can be so mean sometimes.

We all know the shape of an orange traffic cone, don't we? SORRY, NO INSULT INTENDED. :laughing:

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Soundguy, Michigan is a "no-fault" insurance state, meaning MY insurance company pays for any damage to my INSURED vehicle....if I have no coverage on my vehicle my company doesn't pay for my damaged vehicle, although I can go after the other driver in court, but it would take forever to collect.

Same in Kentucky, although you can still sue for punitive damages, unrereimbursed medical expenses, ect... And, should my insurance make a pay out to me, and it was determined that the other persons negligence was the cause of the accident, my insurance company would sue the other driver to recover their loss.

There are very few absolutes in this world. One is, every day the sun comes up, a lawyer will be making money off of someone elses misfortune!

 

[Soundguy]

i heard that.

and if someone hit me and it was their fault.. I'd sure be purSUEing that avenue...


soundguy

 

[JDgreen227]

i heard that.

and if someone hit me and it was their fault.. I'd sure be purSUEing that avenue...


soundguy

I'm an old fart on a fixed income, if somebody hit my tractor, I wouldn't have the money or the time to buy another tractor, or pay a lawyer, or...

HEY, maybe I could insure myself to the hilt, insure my tractor for on-road use, and then drive down the road all legal, then whoever hits me can feel guilty while my wife and kids live on Easy Street the rest of their lives...

 

[Soundguy]

find a hungry lawyer.. plenty out there that will sue with fee based on recovery.. no money out of your pocket.

soundguy

 

[CompactTractorFan]

For SUPER HIGH VISIBILITY, you could always cut down an orange traffic cone and wear it on your head out there, OOOPS, I can be so mean sometimes.

We all know the shape of an orange traffic cone, don't we? SORRY, NO INSULT INTENDED. :laughing:

I've tried that...They get a might bit uncomfortable...