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A Rural Road Safety Reminder
When driving on local roads this time of year, stay mindful of slow-moving farm vehicles on the road.
With farmers reaping their harvests in the spring and summer, its not uncommon to find a farmer navigating heavy machinery along the rural roads of our service territory. When you find yourself behind such a vehicle, we urge that you use caution and patience before passing them on the left side. Your safety, their safety, and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians can be at stake!
You may remember recent headlines that remarked on a steep increase in fatal car accidents in New Jersey in the second half of last year. There were nearly 700 fatalities resulting from around 650 car crashes in New Jersey in 2022.
While not all of these were on rural roads, it is important to keep in mind that these types of accidents are not limited to highways or turnpikes. We have our own hazards that we’re all aware of – work zones, animals, or fallen trees – but don’t underestimate the danger you can face while passing farm equipment on the road!
Farmers acknowledge that being stuck behind such slow-moving vehicles can be frustrating and often will pull over to let other motorists pass, but you must use caution before passing them — for everybody’s sake.
Always be sure that there is no oncoming traffic in the left lane before passing, and never pass in a no-passing zone or within 100 feet of an intersection. Do not tailgate the farmer or other drivers. Also, always consider that farmers pulling to the right may be about to make a wide left turn. Stay attentive of your surroundings and don’t be reckless. It could save your life!
![Image of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C. Text reads: Currents - The quarterly newsletter of Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative | 64 County Route 639, Sussex, NJ 07461 | Website: www.sussexrec.com | Email: currents@sussexrec.com | Phone 973-875-5101 | Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative: President & CEO - Chris Reese; Our Board of Directors: Chairman - Jack Haggerty, Jr., Vice Chariman - William Kovach, Sec./Treasurer - Ronald Dupont, Thomas Madsen, Barbara Miller, Brad Sparta, Joseph Barca, Michael Abate, Karen McDougal](http://sussexrec.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FDR%20Board%20Bumper.png)
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![4 KEY FACTORS THAT IMPACT ENERGY BILLS | You pay for the electricity you consume each month, but there are additional factors that impact your energy bills. 1. Fuel Costs - Before electricity can be delivered to your home, it must first be generated at a power plant or from a renewable source. The cost of fuels used to generate electricity fluctuates, which is why you see a PCA charge on your monthly bill. This monthly charge covers cost fluctuations without having to continually restructure electricity rates. 2. Service Costs - Your bill includes a monthly System Connection Fee, which recovers part of the co-op's ongoing investments in poles, wire, meters, system maintenance, and additional costs necessary to provide electric service. 3. Weather - When temperatures soar or dip, your cooling or heating equipment must run longer and at maximum capacity, which can greatly increase your energy use. Extreme temperatures can also affect electricity market prices. When the need for electricity increases due to extreme heat or cold, the price of power typically rises. 4. Energy Consumption - This is the amount of electricity you use each month to power your home's cooling/heating system, appliances, lighting, electronics, and more. The amount of electricity you consume is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. You have control over how much energy you use, which can ultimately help manage your monthly costs.](http://sussexrec.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Key%20Factors%20That%20Impact%20Energy%20Bills.png)