Slow Moving Vehicle Signs Being Distributed to Wisconsin Farmers Free of Charge

Thursday, October 5th, 2023 -- 1:01 PM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Slow moving vehicle (SMV) signs are being distributed to Wisconsin farmers free of charge through a partnership involving Marshfield Clinic Research Institute's National Farm Medicine Center, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Agricultural Safety and Health Program, the family of Mike Biadasz and the Auction of Champions.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the SMV signs are reflective orange triangles bordered with red that warn other road users that the vehicle displaying the sign is traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 136 crashes involving motorists and farm vehicles in Wisconsin last year. This resulted in 50 injuries and two deaths. The SMV distribution program is expected to sustain through 2024, as supplies last.

Limited quantities of signs are available now at Marathon Feed in Marathon, and Allied Cooperative (formerly known as ProVision Partners) in Stratford, Auburndale and Hixton.

John Shutske, University of Wisconsin professor and agricultural safety & health specialist, said that it is imperative that farmers make their equipment as visible as possible on public roadways through the SMV emblem and functional lighting systems that include flashers and turn signals.

Bryan Weichelt, SMV program lead and Farm Medicine research scientist, said that the program is seeing broad interest in agricultural safety on public roadways, and is encouraged by the growing support and partnerships across the state.

If interested in supporting the program financially or as a distribution site, please contact the Farm Medicine team at [email protected]. For more information about lighting and marking recommendations and regulations for agricultural equipment in Wisconsin, visit: https://uwmadison.box.com/v/LightingAndMarking2023.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.