I’m SAM and safety is my game.
Look for my bright orange triangle on slow moving vehicles (SMVs) like tractors & combines, maintenance vehicles, horse & buggies, street cleaners, and more, then approach with caution.
Find Me and Think SAM!
S = Slow Down
A = Assess your Surroundings
M = Move with Caution
I’m going to the Maryland State Fair! Find me and you could win a prize! See details here
Driving Tips
Safety First
Find the Sign
Vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 mph are required to post a SMV sign on the back of the vehicle. At night, the reflective red border of the SMV sign is visible.
Slow Down
Rear-end collisions are the number one cause of SMV accidents. If you are driving 55 mph and come upon a SMV moving at 25 mph, it only takes 8 seconds to close a gap the length of a football field.
Pass with Care
SMVs are typically large and hard to see around. Wait for a safe passing zone, watch for oncoming traffic, signal and return to the lane once the SMV is in your rear view mirror.
Rural Accidents
by the Numbers
33%
fatal tractor accidents are on public roads
2.4x
higher
fatality
rate
34%
caused by
lack of
attention
72%
in clear weather
Wait, there’s more!
How about checking into what not to do? See what to look out for and help you arrive to your destination safely sharing the road.
Check out the driving resources! There are posters, videos, and more for safe driving near SMVs and for driving SMVs.
