SLOW DOWN! Excessive speed is dangerous. In fact it is the single biggest factor affecting the severity of a
crash. If you double your speed, multiply by four to calculate the amount of energy involved in a crash. Triple
your speed and energy is NINE times higher! Frightening isn’t it? Even if you are wearing your seatbelt
(It’s The Law) and your airbag is functional, it will be almost impossible to survive a direct collision with a
fixed object or heavy slow-moving farm vehicle. Traveling too fast on gravel and dirt roads can cause you
to lose traction on a turn and lose control of your vehicle. Fast stops are almost impossible. Keep your speed
at or below the posted limits.

ROAD CONDITIONS- Country roads tend to be narrower than city streets. They may be in poor condition
and have little or no shoulder area. Drivers should take extra caution on rural roads that can consist of sharp
turns, dips, blind corners shaded by woods or fields, steep embankments, ditches on both sides or are poorly lit.
The rate of fatal collisions on rural country roads triples in the evening or during other low-light or no-light
conditions.

FARM EQUIPMENT usually travels below 25mph. Watch for the orange and red fluorescent “slow moving
vehicle” sign and adjust your speed accordingly. Do not assume the equipment operator can see you behind
them. Their visibility is very limited. Use caution when approaching and passing. Sound the horn to warn the
driver you are about to pass them.

DEER – Drive with extreme caution in areas with deer-crossing signs. The highest-risk time period is from
sunset to midnight, followed by the hours shortly before and after sunrise. If you see one, you can bet there
will be others to follow. Use high-beams for better vision if there aren’t any oncoming vehicles. If a collision
with a deer is unavoidable, focus on maintaining control of your vehicle.

ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!

For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact
Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543