Rural Roads Pose Safety Hazards as Farming Season Peaks

(KNSI) – Over the next few weeks, farm implements will become more common on the roads and that can create a safety hazard for drivers in rural areas.

Public safety officials say to always be aware if the fields are already harvested or in the process. If they’re in the process, be on the lookout for equipment on the roadway.

Stearns County Sheriff’s Captain Jon Lentz says all the ordinary rules of the road still need to be followed when encountering slower machines. “Watch the stripes on the road. If you’re in a no-passing zone, you can’t pass regardless of what speed that piece of equipment might be traveling at. You have to be in a passing zone, first of all, and then you have to make sure that you’re able to make that pass safely.”

He says you want to do it as quickly as possible, but you must stay within the speed limit.

He explains if you do come across combine or larger tractor combination that might be extending past the ordinary width of the lane, “then you have to make sure that you’re moving over sufficiently as well. The main thing is always slow down, beware, take your time and whatever move you’re going to make, make sure you do it safely.”

If you have to, slow down and move to the opposite shoulder. Look for tractors leaving debris, such as manure and hard clumps of dirt, on the road, says Lentz.

Farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in Minnesota. Earlier this week, a 59-year-old man near Watkins died after getting run over by a tractor/corn picker combo. Lentz offered a couple of general safety tips for farmers. “Be well rested. Make sure you get your sleep. Make sure you’re alert. Make sure you’re aware of the conditions around you. And it’s probably a better safety practice to leave any safety guard, safety measures, safety equipment that have been installed by the manufacturer, alone and not make any modifications,” Lentz says some farmers remove safety features in order to go faster.

For more harvest safety tips, click here.

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