SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Departments of Transportation and Agriculture are cautioning motorists to pay attention to tractors and other farm equipment on rural highways. The harvest season is underway throughout the state and drivers need to be on the look out for slow moving vehicles.

"Agriculture is one of Illinois’ most important industries. Farmers are out in full-force…and that means we need motorists to be patient, " said IDOT Secretary Timothy W. Martin. "We are urging motorists in rural areas to be on the watch for farm equipment. We are encouraging you to slow down if you see farm equipment out on the road."

Last year ten fatalities were reported from farm vehicle crashes in Illinois, one more than the previous year. There’s been an average of 243 crashes a year over the last four years involving farm equipment on Illinois roads, resulting in 22 deaths and 312 injuries.

"Farmers don't want to slow down traffic anymore than motorists want to be stuck behind them," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "But, it's absolutely essential that farm and non-farm vehicles share the roadway. Agriculture is vital to our economy, and farmers have a limited time in which to harvest their crops."

As of September 1, 2004, all vehicles using public roads exclusively for agricultural purposes are required to use a new Slow Moving Vehicle emblem that is brighter and longer lasting than previous ones. These triangular SMV emblems serve as a caution to motorists that the vehicle they are overtaking will likely be moving at a rate of speed, much slower than their own.

Also, IDOT is issuing permits that will allow for overweight axles on trucks transporting agricultural products from the field to elevators during the harvest season. The permits are good

for a limited time only and are not valid on interstates or non-state highway routes. Drivers interested in getting a permit may obtain an application from IDOT’s Web site at www.dot.state.il.us.