Neighbor Tractor Accident

[Industrial Toys]

So what's the answer? I would say for starters that every tractor and trailer/implement has to have standardized turn signals coupled to the steering wheel and no fourways while traveling. SMV or beacons.

This, if you wish to travel on a public roadway.

Otherwise it is simply going to be a game of russian roulette.

There is a requirement here for larger equipment to have an escort, but I hardly see how that helps anything. It's just one more thing the person in behind has to pass!

 

[MossRoad]

Here it is for Indiana...

IC 9-21-5-7
Reduction of speed; impeding normal and reasonable movement; right-of-way to other vehicles
Sec. 7. A person may not drive a motor vehicle at a slow speed that impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law. A person who is driving at a slow speed so that three (3) or more other vehicles are blocked and cannot pass on the left around the vehicle shall give right-of-way to the other vehicles by pulling off to the right of the right lane at the earliest reasonable opportunity and allowing the blocked vehicles to pass.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Often, the tractor driver can't even see what is behind him. In fact, if there is eye or other contact, then there usually isn't a problem.

I generally won't pass a road grader or tractor until the driver sees me. If he starts to "FREAK OUT" I abort my maneuver.

 

[CobyRupert]

I stop using my flasher lights if I’m going to also use a turn signal.
I think many drivers that once they see two flashers, don’t notice when one side becomes solid on and the other one continues to flash; or realize that it means a turn signal for the side that continues to flash. There’s no change or “signal”. It just looks like the flasher relay for one side stuck.
Better to turn flashers off ahead of turn, and then put turn signal on.
Tractors with FEL and forks are the worst when entering a roadway. Forks stick way out, and driver sits at back of vehicle.
Usually FEL is going to swing into other lane. When approaching road I raise forks or bucket above the height that most vehicles are going to hit it (if possible).

 

[daugen]

Sometimes the betting man in you, just wants to go for it.
No...there are usually better solutions. This is exactly what happened to me about thirty years ago at an intersection
in my small town in PA. Early morning, sun behind me, blinding the lady at the stop sign on my right. No light, she just has to wait for me to get past.
I start into the intersection and she floors it and drives into the side of my car. When I asked her why she did that, she said she couldn't see
at all and she had to go sometime. I was speechless. I was also the town's primary insurance agent and here I was with my car in bits in one of the two intersections in town.
And as the locals drove by, I saw a lot of grins. See, happens to you too... Very embarrassing as you might imagine.
There is always time to be safe; Back up and turn around if you have to. Or plan right turns only if you can. Not like you can parade your silage wagon all through town...

I have a lot of big ag equipment, 9 series JD, combines, etc that go up my road. There isn't anyone getting past them. Either the implement or the head is so wide it hogs up the road.
Most are good about having a truck front and rear, but some just fly down the road on a wing and a prayer.

Good ideas about turning off flashers if you have to make turns. I turn on all my lights, I mean every one of them, and use hand signals in addition to blinkers.
Of course, I wonder if millennials even know what pointing to the sky means...

 

[ovrszd]

Here it is for Indiana...

IC 9-21-5-7
Reduction of speed; impeding normal and reasonable movement; right-of-way to other vehicles
Sec. 7. A person may not drive a motor vehicle at a slow speed that impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law. A person who is driving at a slow speed so that three (3) or more other vehicles are blocked and cannot pass on the left around the vehicle shall give right-of-way to the other vehicles by pulling off to the right of the right lane at the earliest reasonable opportunity and allowing the blocked vehicles to pass.

What is Indiana's definition of a motor vehicle in regards to this law?

 

[aczlan]

What is Indiana's definition of a motor vehicle in regards to this law?

Not a farm tractor, an implement of agriculture designed to be operated primarily in a farm field or on farm premises, or an electric personal assistive mobility device:

IC 9-13-2-105"Motor vehicle"
Sec. 105. (a) "Motor vehicle" means, except as otherwise provided in this section, a vehicle that is self-propelled. The term does not include a farm tractor, an implement of agriculture designed to be operated primarily in a farm field or on farm premises, or an electric personal assistive mobility device.
(b) "Motor vehicle", for purposes of IC 9-21, means:
(1) a vehicle that is self-propelled; or
(2) a vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.
(c) "Motor vehicle", for purposes of IC 9-32, includes a semitrailer, trailer, or recreational vehicle.

Aaron Z

 

[eddie48]

When I am driving down the road, I try to ride the shoulder and wave people past whenever possible but its not always possible (or safe) with a loaded haywagon and I will ride the yellow line and not wave people by if its not safe to pass (car coming or blind curve).

Aaron Z

Consider this: When you wave someone by, you assume the liability for their safe passage. That could leave you in a bunch of legal trouble if you didn't see the oncoming car/motorcycle/bicycle/etc. and there is an accident. I'd rather pull over and let them decide when to pass me.

 

[Industrial Toys]

How many thousands of people have been hit by someone motioning them to go? I was once the passenger in a car T-Boned like that. I'm not sure the person waving someone is liable. That would make you feel quite shittty, but in truth many drive off!

 

[aczlan]

Consider this: When you wave someone by, you assume the liability for their safe passage. That could leave you in a bunch of legal trouble if you didn't see the oncoming car/motorcycle/bicycle/etc. and there is an accident. I'd rather pull over and let them decide when to pass me.

Good point, I dont do it when there is any doubt and realistically, I dont go very far on the road anymore. I used to mow the field at a fab shop down the road, but we moved and they have someone else do it now.

Aaron Z