Harvest Time: Keeping the Roads Safe for Everyone
Working together is key to preventing accidents and ensuring everyone gets home safely.
Harvest time is underway. It means long hours and hard work for agricultural workers. The hours grow even longer as they try to beat the weather and ensure a successful harvest.
Moving large farm vehicles and equipment on public roads presents some unique challenges. Tractors, combines, and grain carts can't maneuver the same as regular cars and trucks.
Farmers and all other drivers must safely operate these vehicles. Doing so will help prevent accidents and further ensure everyone gets home safely.
Share rural roads with care.
Many non-farm drivers are unaware of how to share the road with farm vehicles safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be patient and respectful:
Farm vehicles are on the road out of necessity. Be patient when encountering them and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. When possible, acknowledge the vehicle operator. You can do this with a wave that lets them know you respect their safety. - Understand the “slow-moving vehicle” sign:
The orange triangular sign indicates a slow-moving vehicle. These vehicles typically travel at speeds of 25 mph or less. When you see this sign on farm vehicles, slow down and remain alert to their movements and your safety. - Avoid sudden moves:
Abrupt movements like swerving or speeding are hazardous, especially around farm equipment. Use your turn signals early to communicate your intentions. Respect the rules of the road and never pass on curves or in no-passing zones. - Allow space when passing:
Unsafe passing can have deadly consequences. Make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic. Allow plenty of room when moving around farm machinery and merging back into the lane. Remember, farm vehicles are wide, and have limited visibility around the entire machine. - Watch for turns:
Farm equipment must often make wide turns. This is especially true as they enter or exit fields and roadways. Be mindful of these wide turns. Avoid passing if the farm vehicle ahead is slowing down or preparing to turn in any direction.
Road safety runs both ways.
Much of the safety focus is on non-farm drivers. Yet, farmers are equally responsible for sharing the roads safely. Here are a few steps farmers can take to help keep roads safe:
- Be patient and respectful:
Non-farm drivers often don’t consider the sheer size of farm equipment. They may also be unaware of its restricted maneuverability. Give other drivers as much notice and room on the road as possible. - Ensure proper lighting and signage:
Equip all farm machinery, vehicles, and implements with proper safety features. These include lighting, reflectors, and slow-moving vehicle signs. These safety features should be clean, visible, and function properly.Most importantly, lights, reflectors, and signage should be routinely checked. They should always be in use whenever the vehicle is in transit. This is especially critical during dusk, dawn, and nighttime driving. - Use escorts for large equipment:
When moving oversized equipment, consider using an escort vehicle. This vehicle serves to warn other drivers of the upcoming farm machinery. This is particularly valuable on busy roads or in circumstances with limited visibility. - Plan routes carefully:
Whenever possible, plan your routes to avoid roads with heavy traffic. Utilize less busy times of the day for transporting equipment. Doing so will help reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to a more enjoyable workday. - Communicate with drivers:
A friendly, deliberate wave can go a long way in acknowledging other drivers. Doing so communicates your awareness of their presence. This awareness supports safe driving and reduces the risk of accidents.
Creating a safe harvest time for everyone.
Harvest time is critical for farmers. It's also when the potential for accidents on rural roads increases.
A few simple, well-practiced precautions can make a positive difference. These precautions can help drivers and farmers keep our roads safer for everyone. When we work together, everyone benefits.
The Moultrie County Health Department wishes our agricultural workers, their families, friends, and communities a safe and bountiful harvest season.