During planting and harvest seasons, Wisconsin drivers are more likely to encounter tractors, combines, and other large farm equipment on rural roads. These vehicles move much more slowly than regular traffic and may take up much of a narrow roadway.

The issue gets special attention during National Farm Safety and Health Week, which falls on September 21^stthrough the 25^th this year. This year’s theme is “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” with the first day focused specifically on equipment and rural roadway safety. 

Drivers should slow down, leave plenty of space, and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. If you are injured in a collision involving agricultural equipment, Green Bay car accident lawyers can help determine what happened and who may be responsible.

Why Are Farm Vehicles Dangerous to Pass?

Passing farm equipment requires more caution than passing a regular vehicle. Tractors and combines may be wide, move slowly, and have large blind spots. They also frequently turn into fields and driveways rather than at intersections.

Two common types of crashes happen when a driver tries to pass farm equipment as it turns left or approaches too quickly and rear-ends it. 

Before passing:

• Wait for a Legal Passing Zone: Do not cross into a no-passing zone just because the farm vehicle is moving slowly.
• Check for Oncoming Traffic: Make sure you have enough distance to complete the pass safely.
• Look for Driveways and Field Entrances: The operator may be preparing to turn even when there is no intersection nearby.
• Watch the Equipment’s Signals: A flashing light may also serve as a turn signal.
• Do Not Assume the Operator Sees You: Large equipment can have huge blind spots.

If you cannot clearly see that the road ahead is open, wait.

How Closely Should You Follow Farm Equipment?

Give tractors and other agricultural vehicles plenty of room. Following too closely makes it harder to see around the equipment and reduces the time you have to react if it slows or turns.

It can also put your vehicle in the equipment operator’s blind spot. Like large trucks, some farm implements use extended mirrors, and an operator may be unable to see a vehicle following immediately behind.

The difference in speed can catch drivers by surprise. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation notes that a vehicle traveling 55 mph can close a football-field-length gap behind a tractor traveling 15 mph in about five seconds.

What Does the Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign Mean?

Wisconsin requires implements of husbandry to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear. The sign warns approaching drivers that they are coming up on equipment traveling at a much slower speed than ordinary traffic.

When you see the emblem:

• Take your foot off the accelerator and begin reducing your speed.
• Increase the distance between your vehicle and the equipment.
• Look ahead for curves, hills, intersections, and field entrances.
• Be prepared for the equipment to slow down or turn.
• Pass only when you can clearly see that it is safe and legal.

Drivers should be especially careful around dusk, dawn, fog, rain, or other conditions that make slow-moving equipment harder to see.

Can You Pass Farm Equipment in a No-Passing Zone in Wisconsin?

No. Wisconsin law does not give drivers an exception to pass agricultural equipment simply because it is moving slowly.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation states that motorists may not pass an implement of husbandry or an agricultural commercial motor vehicle in a no-passing zone. Drivers must wait until they reach an area where passing is permitted and can be completed safely.

Wisconsin State Patrol reinforced this warning in 2025, noting that more than 2,000 crashes involving farm vehicles occurred in Wisconsin over the previous five years, including 429 in 2024 based on preliminary data.

Waiting behind a tractor for another minute or two can be frustrating, but attempting a dangerous pass can have consequences that last a lifetime.

Why Can Farm Equipment Crashes Cause Serious Injuries?

Tractors, combines, and other agricultural vehicles can be much larger and heavier than passenger cars. Some agricultural commercial motor vehicles can legally reach gross weights of tens of thousands of pounds.

When a passenger vehicle collides with heavy farm equipment, the occupants of the smaller vehicle may suffer severe injuries, including:

The risk can be even greater on narrow rural roads where large equipment extends close to or across the centerline. Wisconsin has additional lighting and marking requirements for certain wide farm vehicles to help other motorists recognize their size.

What Causes Farm Vehicle Accidents?

Not every farm vehicle collision is caused by the person driving the passenger car. Farmers and agricultural vehicle operators also have responsibilities when using public roads.

A serious crash may involve:

• Following farm equipment too closely
• Unsafe or illegal passing
• Speeding or distracted driving
• Failing to notice a farm vehicle turning
• Inadequate lights or markings
• A farm vehicle operator failing to yield
• Poor visibility
• Unsafe roadway conditions

Determining responsibility may require looking at the actions of everyone involved, the condition and visibility of the equipment, and the roadway itself.

What Should You Do After a Farm Vehicle Crash?

If you are involved in a collision with a tractor, combine, or other farm vehicle, call 911 and get medical attention as soon as possible for anyone who is hurt.

If you can safely do so, take photographs of the vehicles, damage, roadways, skid marks, farm equipment lights and markings, and surrounding conditions. Get the names and insurance information of the people involved and contact information for witnesses.

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent after a collision, and medical records can help document when your symptoms began and the treatment you needed.

Avoid arguing about fault at the scene. Investigators, insurance companies, and attorneys can examine the evidence to determine how the collision occurred.

Injured in a Crash With a Tractor or Farm Equipment Near Green Bay? 

Fault may depend on whether a driver tried to pass unsafely, whether the equipment was properly marked and visible, or whether road conditions played a role.

The Green Bay car accident lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers know how to handle farm vehicle crash cases. We investigate what happened, secure critical evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies for you.

If you were hurt in a crash involving farm equipment, contact our law firm for a free consultation.