In recognition of Farm Safety Week (September 15-21) and to raise safety awareness and potentially save lives, Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs are now available to local farmers for free. Door County Medical Center (DCMC) and the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) are partnering to bring awareness to safety involving slow moving vehicles.

The ultimate goal of this program is to keep farmers safe on and off the farm by increasing visibility of agricultural equipment on public roadways. Nearly 1 in 5 farm deaths occur on our State's roads, according to the most recent Wisconsin Farm Related Fatalities report. "If farmers cared about their own health as much as they care about their crops, livestock, families and communities, they would probably live longer and healthier lives," said Bryan Weichelt, PhD agricultural health and safety researcher from the National Farm Medicine Center in Marshfield, Wis. "SMV signs and LED lighting can help. They not only protect the farm equipment operator, they also help protect other motorists who share the public roadways."

The SMV triangle should be placed in the center of the back end of the vehicle, located 2 to 6 feet above the road, kept clean and be replaced when faded. Each piece of agricultural equipment, whether self-propelled or used in combination, must separately display the required emblems.

In addition to the free SMV sign offer, the program offers education and tips on increasing safety awareness while traveling on county farmland to safely share the road. A few things to do when encountering a slow-moving vehicle on a roadway:

• Slow down immediately
• Increase following distance to create a safety cushion
• Be alert and watch for unexpected turns
• Pass with care only when it is safe and legal to do so
• Be aware that animal-powered vehicles may make unanticipated movements
• Be aware that equipment in tow may sway on the road
• Remember slow moving vehicle operators may have poor visibility due to loads and equipment in tow

Brian Stephens, DCMC CEO recently shared why DCMC is getting involved in such a program: "In serving on the Door County Economic Development Corporation's Board of Directors, I have learned just how important the agriculture sector is to our local economy, and how important our farm families are to our community. At Door County Medical Center, we know that the physical and mental aspects of farming and ranching can contribute to some unique healthcare needs, and the nature of keeping a 24/7 operation running can make it difficult for workers to receive the care they need. We are committed to working with the agricultural community to find new models of care that are convenient, affordable, and support our farmers and ranchers in providing for their families and putting food on the table for all of us to enjoy."

"At the Door County Economic Development Corporation, we recognize the vital role that agriculture plays in our community." adds Michelle Lawrie, DCEDC Executive Director. "Promoting farm safety, especially around slow-moving vehicles, is crucial to protecting our farmers and ensuring the well-being of everyone on our roads. By raising awareness and encouraging caution, we aim to create safer journeys for all and support the agricultural backbone of our region."

To request free SMV signs, please reach out to michelle@doorcountybusiness.com. To learn more about the laws and regulations on slow moving vehicles for the State of Wisconsin, please visit: Wisconsin Department of Transportation Agricultural vehicle safety (wisconsindot.gov)

This initiative is part of a larger state-wide program through an expanded partnership involving Marshfield Clinic Research Institute's National Farm Medicine Center, Rural Mutual Insurance Co., H&S Manufacturing and Nasonville Dairy.