Harvest time is well underway in area communities. This is a friendly reminder of things we can all be aware of to keep ourselves, and our families, safe during what can be a chaotic time. Keep the following tips in mind while traveling the roadways this fall.
Even if you never drive on a country road, chances are that you will end up following a combine, tractor pulling a grain cart or wagon or even a semi-truck hauling grain. As this equipment takes to the roads, pay extra attention to traffic. These large machines often maneuver slowly. Be patient, pass carefully and understand that they will do the same.
SLOW DOWN: Slow down as soon as you see the equipment. A car traveling at 55 mph can close a 300 ft. gap (one football field) in four seconds if a tractor is going 15 mph.
WATCH OUT: Watch out for mailboxes, road signs, bridges, turn signals on the equipment, etc., as the equipment is big and may need to swing out to avoid hitting something or to make the turn.
DUST: Gravel is dusty and when big equipment drives on gravel, it creates dust. Many highway shoulders are gravel rather than paved areas. If equipment is causing dust on the roadway, be patient and don’t pass until you can see clearly to do so safely.
Wildlife is also on the move, searching for new cover as the crop is harvested. Be diligent (especially around sunup or sundown) about scanning the ditches/roadsides for deer crossing.
Last, but certainly not least, given the extreme dry conditions, producers may consider double-checking that each vehicle has an operational fire extinguisher available. In the event of a field fire, consider being prepared by having a loaded water wagon ready to be activated and/or having a disk hooked up to help control a potential outbreak.
Have a safe and happy harvest,
Michael Ruffcorn
President Harrison County Farm Bureau
