Free signs increase Maine farmer safety

    University of Maine Cooperative Extension and several farm equipment dealers have joined forces to offer free “Slow-Moving-Vehicle”(SMV) signs to Maine farmers this year.
    These bright signs—fluorescent orange triangles bordered with reflective red—are mounted on the rear of farm tractors and implements traveling slower than 25 miles per hour in order to warn motorists of the slow-moving vehicle. Farmers who would like to obtain a free SMV sign should contact U-Maine extension at 800-287-1471. Those farmers will receive a coupon and safety packet with information about how to use the sign and about the use of tractors on public roads. Farmers can then pick up their sign or signs (up to two per farmer) at the nearest participating farm-equipment dealer before June 1.
    Many Maine farmers and farm workers move equipment, livestock, hay and crops with tractors, and on public roads this can represent a dangerous situation. The reflective border of the SMV sign defines the shape of the fluorescent color in daylight and creates a hollow red triangle when illuminated by headlights at night.
    Participating farm equipment dealers include: MPG Truck & Tractor and Theriault Equipment in Presque Isle.