Farm Bureau urges increased safety during harvest season

As harvest season begins, drivers will see more farming equipment on the roads as farmers travel between fields. With this increase in traffic, it's important for both farmers and the community to take extra precautions.

National Farm Safety and Health Week, observed this year Sept. 15-21, highlights the fact that transportation incidents remain the leading cause of death for farmers and farm workers. In light of this, the Delaware Farm Bureau is urging everyone to prioritize road safety during harvest season.

June Unruh, former DEFB Ag Safety Conference chair, said safety should be a part of everyday life: “Whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, safety becomes who we are. Rural road safety should be a top priority amongst all drivers to ensure the safety of everyone sharing the road. Farmers have the same legal rights as other motorists to drive their vehicles on public roads.”

For farmers, it’s crucial to stay on top of equipment maintenance, ensure all operators are familiar with their manuals, and have a clear emergency plan in place. While it may be tempting to push through fatigue and finish a field, it’s essential to stop and rest when needed. Operators should make sure someone knows their location and expected return time, in case of an emergency.

Farm equipment operators traveling on public roads should stay vigilant and aware of traffic around them, and ensure their equipment meets all lighting and marking requirements.

Jim Minner, Kent County Farm Bureau president, recommends using extra lighting to increase visibility to drivers. Having a vehicle follow the equipment with hazard lights on is another way to alert motorists. For farmers needing help moving equipment, the Delaware State Police offers an escort service through Jobs4Blue, and farmers can call 877-425-8330 to arrange for an off-duty officer.

For the public, it’s important to remember that farm equipment is slower and larger than regular vehicles. Drivers should be cautious, especially on rural roads, which are often narrow and winding. Farmers will pull over when it is safe to allow vehicles to pass, so drivers should avoid passing in no-passing zones. Refrain from following too closely and never pass on the left, since what might appear to be a farm machine moving over for other vehicles to pass could be the operator preparing for a turn.

Unruh encouraged the public to be patient with farmers, because they are working to feed the world. She said, “While the farmer may be slowing traffic down, they are responsible for harvesting their fields to provide the food that feeds our families. The next time you encounter farm equipment on the road, remember to slow down and be patient. By being aware of farm equipment during your travels, you can help make the trip safe for both you and Delaware’s farmers.”

For more information on Delaware Farm Bureau, visit defb.org.