Extension Spotlight

As temperatures begin to cool off and corn begins to ripen, combines, grain carts and trucks are pulling into and out of fields which is a clear sign that this year’s corn harvest is underway. And while these vehicles and pieces of equipment are powerful and have great use, their larger size and slower speeds are a reminder of the awareness that all drivers need to have during this season. Research shows that the months of September through December are the most common months for car accidents involving farm vehicles.

The most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that there were nearly 100 accidents in the United States involving farm equipment in 2018. This set of data excludes car accidents involving any large trucks. A study conducted by the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health analyzed farm vehicle related crashes happened mainly during daylight hours, on high speed roads, while the weather was clear. The cause of the accidents for 2018 is not given but Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health stated that some of the most common manners of accidents involving farm vehicles were rear-ending, sideswiping going the same direction and oncoming collision during a left turn.

Although many believe that the drivers or passengers in the smaller vehicle are more likely to sustain the injuries in an accident with farm equipment, research shows that the driver of the farm equipment is actually twice as likely to receive fatal injuries than anyone in the smaller vehicle. This is mainly because most farm equipment does not have the various safety features that a common passenger vehicle does. It is important to educate all drivers about how to drive safely around farm equipment to ensure that this harvest season is safe for all.

Individuals driving smaller vehicles should remember how important it is to give plenty of space to large equipment and to trucks when they are traveling both rural, dirt roads or down the highways. Trucks also require more time to speed up or slow down compared to other vehicles, especially when carrying large loads of corn to the elevators or to bins. This means that they also need more space and patience from the drivers around them to ensure safety.

It is also important to understand the size and length of these larger trucks when passing them on higher speed roads or highways. Carefully consider hills and oncoming traffic before you pass a truck or any other farm vehicle because it will take a longer time to do so. At the same time, it is easy to forget the extra space trucks need while they are turning. Be mindful of the amount of space that you are leaving for trucks when pulling up to stop signs.

Harvest is a time for farmers to celebrate a year’s worth of hard work. It is also a time that is fast-paced and stressful for many. However, with effort from all drivers on the road, we can all do our part to ensure that our farmers and everyone helping them, stay safe during harvest.