With harvest season getting in full swing, Thumb authorities and even Farm Bureau Insurance are reminding motorists and farmers to be safe as they navigate area roads.
According to Michigan State Police data, though crashes involving farm equipment fell by nearly 10% in 2023, there were still 195 accidents statewide. Of those, 44 resulted in injuries and three were fatal.
With more harvests coming in throughout this season, motorists are asked to please allow extra time and space for farm equipment when encountered on the roadway. With farm vehicles being bigger but slower than most vehicles in the area, getting caught behind one can be frustrating, but the community is asked to be patient and slow down, especially when approaching the equipment and areas farmers are working in.
It should be noted that, if you can’t see farmers in their mirrors, they probably can’t see you, so stay back, stay alert, and only pass when you’re absolutely sure it’s safe to do so. Drivers are also urged to remember that farm equipment does not turn like a typical vehicle, needing extra space and time for the slower, wider turns often necessary when safely navigating the roads.
Authorities also remind farmers to ensure the safety and compliance of their equipment and its operator. Those on farm equipment are expected to yield to oncoming traffic when exiting a field and to put both warning signs and flag people on either side of a truck when it’s being loaded on the road.
While farmers are asked to scrape mud and debris from the road, as wet field conditions lead to muddy tires and messy roadways, drivers are still asked to be observant and keep an eye out for such conditions, as they can be dangerous on rainy days.
By being extra patient and observant, the Thumb community and its farmers can stay safe during a very important harvest season.
