Crashes involving farm vehicles on the public roads in North Carolina have remained basically the same for 30 years. However, as the population continues to increase, some farmland near urban centers is developed into residential neighborhoods, which increases the likelihood that a farm vehicle will encounter other vehicles. This study provides a descriptive analysis of more than 3,000 farm vehicle crashes reported in North Carolina from 1991 through 1999. The study also includes a summary of 69 clinical examinations of farm vehicle crash sites and provides recommendations to decrease the frequencies of these crashes. A primary finding of the study is that rear-end and left-turn crashes make up more than 50% of the crashes. Other findings include the fact that the roadway and operation characteristics on primary highways are noticeably different from those on secondary roads. Because of the relatively small number of annual events and the potential effects on the agricultural industry, countermeasures need to be targeted. Recommendations include the following: a learners permit to operate a farm vehicle on the public highways should be required, all farm vehicles operating on public highways should be required to display the "Slow Moving Vehicle" emblem, the costs and benefits of requiring all new farm vehicles to have flashing beacons permanently fixed to the vehicle should be researched, and brochures that inform farmers on specific strategies to reduce farm vehicle crashes should be developed and distributed. These strategies include information on how to perform a wide two-point left turn and voluntary adoption of more stringent standards for their vehicle operators and equipment.
Abstract