It happens every year: as spring morphs into summer and the growing season begins, tractors and other large farm machinery take to the fields. They also take to the roads. Unfortunately, auto accidents involving farm machinery also increases during this time of year. Learn more about how to avoid such accidents, and what your options might be if one does occur, with help from the following information.

Sharing the Road with Farm Machinery

There is little more frustrating than being late for work or an appointment and finding yourself stuck behind slow-moving farm machinery. As your stress mounts, you may be tempted to go around. Be careful! This is one of the most common ways that accidents involving farm machinery occur. Hills, curves, stress, and limited vision all contribute to this devastating type of accident.

Defensive driving courses exist for a reason: Every driver can increase their chances of avoiding an auto accident when they are properly equipped to practice defensive driving techniques. Learning how to prevent collisions always begins with being observant when behind the wheel. Looking ahead, keeping your eyes on both your side and rearview mirrors, and watching for any surrounding hazards is key to stopping an accident before it happens.

Here are some examples of dangerous roadway behaviors and how to spot them before a bad situation turns worse:

1. Erratic movements: Your attentiveness is your best weapon against collision, so staying alert to any erratic driving behaviors around you is one of the best ways to protect yourself on the open road. When you notice another vehicle making fast, careless movements, or maneuvers that indicate the driver is not paying attention to the road (such as swerving into another lane), slow down and steer clear of the vehicle to ensure you are out of its range. Erratic movements can also imply aggressive, reckless driving behavior, which can stem from unstable, angry, and irrational mental states.