'Expect the unexpected'

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PRINCETON — Though drivers often think of winter roads as the most dangerous, there are also road concerns to keep in mind during spring months, according to Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson.

With the warmer weather, there are definitely more bicyclists on the road than ever before, Thompson said. More people seem to be riding bikes for not just health reasons but also because of the economy.

Bicyclists have the same rights to be on the roads as other vehicles. Bikes are to travel in the same direction as the traffic. Drivers need to be ready to decelerate rapidly when coming up to bikes on the road. Bicyclists are not just within communities but also on country roads, Thompson said.

Another traffic concern, especially in the spring and fall months, are tractors and other farm equipment on the roads.

"At this time and in this area, the agriculture industry is the biggest industry we have," Thompson said. "As a result, everyone has to realize the farmers have to be able to move their equipment from field to field, from place to place. I'm encouraging all drivers to be constantly aware that they could come upon some farm equipment traveling on the road."

Just like bicyclists, farmers have the right to move their equipment on the roads, Thompson said. There is no minimum speed limit for farm equipment to travel. Farm equipment is well-marked with safety emblems.

Another concern is with lawnmowers which may pull into a road or may be moving down a road, Thompson said. On May 5, two children were injured in the rural Neponset area when their riding lawnmower was struck by a vehicle. People do have the right to use the roads when using their lawnmowers.

Common sense and courtesy are essential when it comes to slow moving vehicles, whether it's farm equipment, lawnmowers or bicycles, Thompson said. Drivers of slow moving equipment or bicyclists should pull over as much as is safely possible.

"But if you, as the driver, get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle, you just have to be patient," Thompson said.

Springtime rains can also pose a driving hazard, as was the case Wednesday in Bureau County, Thompson said. Wet roads can be slick roads and visibility can be hindered. When coming upon standing water in the road, drivers should slow down. A vehicle can lose its traction going as little as 20 miles per hour. Sometimes the best thing a driver can do is to move into a safe parking area and wait out the rain, he said.

"Whether it's slow moving vehicles or wet roads, drivers need to expect the unexpected," Thompson said. "Slow down, be careful and create a safe driving environment for you and the other drivers on the road."

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