Warmer temperatures are leading to more things for motorists to watch out for as they travel the state’s roadways. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Vince Kurtz says many farmers are on the road taking their planting equipment from field to field. He says motorists need to be aware of the big difference in speed from their car to the slower moving tractors pulling farm equipment.

“The closing distance and the closing speed is very hard to judge. That gap closes very quickly,” Kurtz explains. “And if you add to that any type of distraction — whether that’s a cellphone call, or you are reaching down to pick up something that is dropped on the floor — that distance can close very quickly.” Kurtz says there are accidents every year between cars and farm equipment simply caused by distracted drivers who are not prepared to see slower moving farm equipment.

“Or on the other side of that, that implement may not be marked properly. That’s a great reminder for our farmers as well that every piece of equipment needs that is out on the roadway to be marked properly, ” Kurtz says. He says the farm equipment needs a slow-moving vehicle triangle on it, they need lights if they are out at night, and red light at the back that is visible to the traffic coming up behind. Warmer temperatures also lead to motorcycles and bicycles out on the roads. He says it’s important for drivers to be looking for motorcycles.

Kurtz says motorcycles are a low profile vehicle that can easily be missed, and drivers should watch especially close to avoid any accidents. Although Iowa does not have a helmet law, Kurtz reminds motorcycle riders to always wear a helmet and to wear bright colored clothing to make themselves as visible as possible. He officers the same advice for bicyclists.

“You need to be visible, you need to make sure you are following the rules of the road when you are riding your bicycle. Make sure that you have that red light and a headlight after dark,” Kurtz says. Kurtz says the same rules apply for drivers in not being distracted to avoid any accidents with motorcycles or bicycles.

(Radio Iowa)