As the soil temperatures continue to rise, farmers are preparing to get into the fields as soon as the weather allows. Adding these vehicles to the mix on Iowa roadways will call for increasing patience on the part of motorists who will be sharing the road with slow-moving farm equipment. The Iowa Department of Transportation is urging both motorists and farm vehicle operators to exercise caution during the busy spring planting season.

Data for 2012 shows a total of 170 crashes involved farm equipment. Those crashes resulted in 12 fatalities, 11 major injuries, 35 minor injuries and 40 other possible injuries. Of the 170 crashes, 96 resulted only in property damage.

Tips for motorists

• Be alert and always watch for slow-moving vehicles, especially during planting and harvest seasons.
• Be patient and do not assume the equipment operator can move aside to let you pass. The shoulder may not be able to support a heavy farm vehicle.
• Slow down as soon as you see the triangular-shaped, red and fluorescent orange slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Tips for farm vehicle operators

• Make your intentions known when you are turning by using signal lights or the appropriate hand signal in advance of the turn.
• Drive slow-moving vehicles in the right-hand lane as close to the edge of the roadway as safely possible. Traveling partially on the shoulder may cause motorists to risk passing in a dangerous situation.
• Avoid encouraging or signaling motorists to pass. Pull over where it is safe, and let the traffic go by.
• Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train extends 3 feet beyond the tracks on both sides.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston construction office reports bridge construction work continues on eastbound Interstate 80 over the Indian Creek between Pottawattamie County Road M-47 (exit 46) and Cass County Road M-56 (exit 51) 2 miles east of Walnut. Starting Wednesday, May 1, traffic will be operating in a two-lane, two-way traffic pattern in the westbound lanes of I-80 in the work zone. The open lanes will have a 12-foot-6-inch width lane restriction in place. The project is expected to be completed by Aug. 15th.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.

A Clarinda boy was listed in serious, but stable condition, Thursday, after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers reports 8-year old Brandon Cales was riding a bike across west Tarkio Street at around 6:40-p.m., when he was hit by a 2001 Saturn, driven by 48-year old Carl Race, of Coin, as Race was traveling west in the 800 block of west Tarkio.

The boy, who was ejected from his bike during the collision, landed on the roadway. He was transported to Children’s Hospital in Omaha. An investigation revealed Carl Race was driving under suspension.

(7-a.m. News)