Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
8-31-99
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Mark Hanna, Ag and Biosystems Engineering, (515) 294-6360,
hmhanna@iastate.edu
Laura Miller, Extension Safe Farm, (515) 294-4802, lwmiller@iastate.edu
New Reflective Tape Offers Extra Measure of Safety
AMES, Iowa -- A small investment in new reflective and fluorescent tape for tractors and implements could boost safety this fall, says an Iowa State University agricultural engineer.
"New products are a lot more durable and reflect more light than anything that's been on the market before," says Mark Hanna. "When properly mounted, reflective tape can make it easier for other motorists to see you as you transport grain or equipment on public roadways."
Hanna says road safety has become a critical issue for many farmers as people move to rural subdivisions, farm equipment gets larger and farm operations include fields in numerous locations. Collisions with farm vehicles are frequent, averaging nearly one major incident each day on Iowa's roads.
Currently, Iowa law requires vehicles that travel at speeds of less than 35 mph to display the slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem, and have a minimum number of lights. Within the past year, however, the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) has developed new recommendations on the voluntary use of the red, orange and yellow reflective and fluorescent tape for farm vehicles and equipment. The self-adhesive tape is sold either by the roll or in 9-inch strips, and is mounted horizontally across the rear and front of vehicles and equipment.
Hanna estimates it would cost between $6 to $10 to add reflective strips to a tractor, combine or implement. Materials are available at many implement dealers or farm supply stores.
He cautions farmers to mount strips properly because only red and orange are to be visible on the rear of a vehicle, while yellow is to be visible on the front. The new standards specify exactly where tape should be placed for maximum protection. He also encourages farmers to consider replacing faded SMV emblems at the same time they add reflective tape.
"The new reflective tape is an inexpensive way for producers to become more visible to other motorists," Hanna adds.
For more information about placement of reflective tape on farm vehicles, contact your Iowa State University Extension county office. A new publication, "A New Look for Farm Safety," AE-3104, explains the ASAE recommendations, and can be found on the World Wide Web at: www.ae.iastate.edu/safety.htm.
Reflective Tape--A New Look For Road Safety (30 seconds)
Before farmers head to the field this fall, they might consider using reflective tape to increase their visibility on the road. Reflective and fluorescent tape now comes in easy-to-use adhesive strips that can be mounted on the rear of tractors and equipment. The tape can be seen by other motorists, and gives farmers an extra measure of safety on the road.
Contact your Iowa State University Extension office for more details. Ask your implement dealer or farm supply store about this new product. This message brought to you by this radio station and Iowa State University Extension's Safe Farm program, helping to make Iowa farms a safe place to live and work.
NOTE: This story can be used with a camera-ready illustration, A New Look for Farm Safety
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.