JOHNSON CO. — Planting season is just about here for Indiana farmers, which means that you could be sharing the roads with tractors.
Jennifer Campbell has been a farmer her entire life. Corn, soybeans, wheat, hogs, cows - you name it, the Campbells farm it.
With a farming operation spanning in various sections of Johnson County, the Campbells - like other farmers - need to take their tractors to the streets.
"We have to drive on the roads, it's how we get to work, just like everybody else," Campbell said.
According to Campbell, many drivers speed on the roadways and slowing down is a significant component of road safety. But the most important thing drivers can do is keep a reasonable distance from the tractor.
"Little cars, I can't see at all," Campbell said. "You have come up so far behind me that your car is completely hidden behind me, so I don't even know you're back here."
Campbell said that when drivers stay distant from the tractor on the road, it's rewarding to the person operating the tractor because of merely being able to see that someone is there.
"When it's safe, I'm going to get over and allow you to pass," Campbell said.
Another essential thing drivers should pay close attention to is left turns.
"I may slow down and get over a bit to take this wide left turn; people think I'm slowing down to let them pass," Campbell said. "So, it's very important to make sure that traffic isn't turning before you get out in traffic."
Campbell said she wants everyone to travel the roads safely, to ensure a safe homecoming to their families.
"I have three kids who drive tractors on the road. I want them all to come home at night. And I want the drivers to go home to their families at night."
New this year, the Campbell family says cameras will be installed on the back of their biggest tractors. This way, they can see when cars are following close behind them.
