As we work on the farm, we must drive to the fields with the tractor.  We live on the curve of a paved road.  Semi-trailer trucks, vehicles pulling horse-trailers and cars pass by the farm.  Many of those who drive through our countryside understand farming.  However, there are those who do not.

I recall when I was a young driver, how hard it was to come up behind a farmer and his machinery.  I lacked confidence in passing, so I trailed the farmer until I was sure there was clear road ahead.  Yet not all drivers shared my timidity or caution when having to pass a farmer on the road.  Some easily took the chance and sped on by.  Some may have grumbled as they applied their brakes when passing was not safe.  I know it is hard to enjoy following a slow-moving vehicle.  But prudence ought to win the day.

There have been many times when my husband has had to drive that road during his workday.  In the summer, it is especially tricky getting home safely.  Often when he has to turn left off of the road to turn into the farm, some impatient drive tries to pass him right by our driveway.  My husband has had quite a few near misses.  I guess the Lord has been watching over him.

One time, before he turned left into our driveway, he signaled by extending his left arm.  His arm pointed straight out from his shoulder to the left.  That, you may recall from your driver’s ed course, is the proper hand signal to use when turning left.  A driver crossed the yellow line on the tractor’s left just as my husband attempted to turn.  Suddenly the car driver slammed on his brake.  Through his open window he yelled, “Hey, I thought you were signaling me that the coast was clear and that I could pass.”

Both drivers parted peacefully and safely from each other that day.

But that brings up the question, “Do drivers really know their hand signals?”

I hope you know them.  They could come in very handy when you happen on some slow-moving vehicle.  It could also serve to keep you safe as you travel.