Motorists urged to stay alert for slow-moving farm vehicles, especially during busy months
Cordova, MD (April 30, 2025) — Maryland’s spring planting season is officially underway. Starting in mid-April and continuing throughout the summer and into the fall, farm equipment will increasingly share the roads with local drivers. The Maryland Soybean Board and its “Find Me Driving” public awareness campaign are urging all motorists to exercise caution and patience as slow-moving farm vehicles operate along public roads.
“It’s critical for us to use the public roads as we have many farms spread across the county and we need to make multiple trips,” said Chris McDonald, a Kent County farmer. “One thing I would like motorists to know about slow-moving vehicles is that we are only on the road to get from farm to farm to do our job — which is feeding everyone! — and are on the road as little as we have to be.”
Designed for agricultural use, farm equipment needs to access public roads to drive from field to field. These vehicles travel at speeds of 25 mph or less on public roads. Motorists are encouraged to slow down when they encounter farm vehicles and give them ample space while passing. According to Find Me Driving, road safety in rural areas depends on mutual awareness and a commitment to sharing the road.
“We launched the Find Me Driving campaign to remind motorists that, especially during the spring planting season, slow-moving vehicles are a necessary part of our farming communities,” said Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director of the Maryland Soybean Board. “With just a little awareness and preparation, we can reduce crashes and ensure both farmers and drivers arrive safely at their destinations.”
A large part of the Find Me Driving campaign is its mascot, SAM®. This cartoon slow-moving vehicle sign is an acronym that provides safety tips:
- Slow down: Look for the orange triangle-shaped sign indicating a slow-moving vehicle.
- Assess your surroundings: Keep a safe distance from farm vehicles and allow extra time to overtake them.
- Move with caution: Only pass when it’s legally and safely permissible — and never on a curve or hill.
“On some days, I can be on the road up to 10 times a day with equipment,” said Evan Staley, a Carroll County farmer. “My visibility in [large farm vehicles] is not that great. When I’m sitting in the seat, I can’t see the edge of my tire, which is a big deal. So, when you see me coming down the road, I’m taking up the whole road. I can get over when a car’s coming, but the scary part is the blind spots.”
With over 12,600 farms statewide, Maryland is known for its thriving agricultural community, and planting seasons remind us all of the importance of supporting and respecting those who put food on our tables.
For more information on farm equipment road safety during planting time, visit FindMeDriving.com or follow Find Me Driving on social platforms.
About Maryland Soybean Board: The Maryland Soybean Board is funded by the national soybean checkoff program, which assesses one-half of one percent of the net market value of soybeans at the first point of sale. The board consists of 10 volunteer farmer-directors and directs funds for research, marketing and education programs to benefit the Maryland soybean industry. For more information, visit mdsoy.org.
Media Contact: Gregg Voss | TSN Communications | 224-542-9530 | gvoss@tsncommunications.com