By Andi Anderson
The slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem, a globally recognized safety symbol, has revolutionized road safety for agricultural equipment. Created at Ohio State University 60 years ago, it ensures visibility for vehicles traveling under 25 mph.
The SMV emblem was developed in the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at Ohio State, funded by the Automotive Safety Foundation. Researchers studied over 700 collision cases, revealing that 65% of crashes involving farm equipment were rear-end collisions.
This highlighted the urgent need for a visibility tool to warn motorists about slow-moving vehicles.
The emblem’s unique triangular design includes a fluorescent orange center for daytime visibility and retroreflective red edges for nighttime safety.
It serves as an early warning signal for approaching motorists, complemented by lights and reflective materials on farm equipment.
In 1962, the SMV emblem gained national recognition through a 3,689-mile journey across the U.S., mounted on a farm wagon.
By 1963, Ohio State dedicated the emblem to public use, ensuring it was not patented or trademarked. This decision made the emblem freely available as a safety measure worldwide.
“Ohio State’s contribution to public safety is monumental,” said Dee Jepsen, a professor at OSU Extension’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program. “The SMV emblem symbolizes farmers at work and is a crucial tool for preventing accidents.”
Ohio legislation mandates the use of SMV emblems on all slow-moving vehicles, including horse-drawn carriages. Over the years, updates have improved its reflective materials, ensuring continued effectiveness.
The SMV emblem remains a vital tool for agricultural safety, embodying Ohio State’s commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting farmers globally.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety