farm equipment on road

It’s that time of year when our rural roads come alive with the hardworking farmers who feed our world. Harvest season is in full swing, which means you’re likely to encounter farm equipment on the roads. Slowing down and staying alert can save lives — maybe even yours.

Last Saturday, I watched an SUV whip past my dad, who was on a tractor, pulling a feed grinder from one part of our farm to our feedlot, which is located up the road from where we were coming from. They passed him on a turn, right before he was about to turn left. Ignoring road signs and failing to look around can lead to tragic consequences. If he would have turned seconds earlier, they could have seriously hurt my dad — or worse killed him — and for what, a few extra minutes to your destination? Nothing you are headed to is ever worth someone’s life.

Here are some tips for our farmers:

  • Light it up: Ensure your equipment has the proper lighting and slow moving vehicle signs. If you’re traveling more than 25 mph, use a speed identification symbol sign to let drivers know you’re on the move.
  • Stay visible and connected: Take regular breaks to check lights, reflectors, and slow moving vehicle signs. Communicate your route to someone else so they know where you’re headed.
  • Respect traffic flow: If a line of vehicles builds up, find a safe place to let them pass. And please, no texting and driving — stay focused.

For drivers sharing the road, here are some best practices for you:

  • Embrace patience: Our farmers are working long hours to harvest, often from dawn until dusk. Slowing down and giving them space is a small way to show appreciation for their hard work.
  • Stay focused: Resist distractions, and keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Rural roads may be scenic, but they’re no place to multitask.
  • Keep a safe distance: Farm equipment has blind spots and can’t stop quickly. Give them space and remember, if you can’t see the operator, they can’t see you.
  • Pass with care: Only pass when it’s safe, and when the operator signals. Rural roads are narrow, and passing farm equipment can be dangerous. If you see mailboxes ahead, wait — operators often need to cross the line to avoid them.

We all share these roads, and a little patience goes a long way in ensuring everyone’s safety. Fall brings early sunsets, rain-soaked roads and unpredictable deer. It’s a season that demands extra vigilance, and a moment’s care can prevent tragedy.

Together, we can make rural roads safer. When we’re patient and attentive, we protect not just ourselves, but also the families, friends and neighbors who work tirelessly to bring food to our tables. Let’s keep this harvest season safe and sound.

Submitted by Mandy Orahood, an Ohio Farm Bureau organization director, serving Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull Counties.

 

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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