As planting season brings Chariton County, Missouri’s rural highways to life in April and May, tractors, planters, and other farm equipment crisscross roads like Route 5 and Highway 24, moving between fields to sow crops. This critical period, driven by tight weather windows, increases the risk of accidents between slow-moving farm machinery and faster vehicles in this agricultural heartland, home to townships like Keytesville, Salisbury, and Brunswick. Highway safety during planting season demands cooperation, with farm equipment operators and other drivers both playing vital roles in preventing collisions. Below, we share practical tips tailored to Chariton County’s rural roads, backed by expert insights, to ensure safer travel for everyone. By prioritizing tractor visibility, slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblems, and cautious driving, we can navigate this busy season safely.
Why Planting Season Heightens Highway Risks in Chariton County
Planting season sees Chariton County farmers working long hours, often shuttling equipment across public roads to reach fields scattered across the county’s 15 townships. Tractors and planters, traveling at speeds as low as 15–25 mph, contrast sharply with highway traffic, raising the risk of rear-end collisions on roads like U.S. Route 24 or Missouri Route 5. The National Safety Council reports that one-third of ...
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