WISCONSIN – This week is National Farm Safety and Health Week. As harvest time ramps up here in Central Wisconsin, drivers are encouraged to slow down, be patient, and help ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.
“During harvest, there is a huge amount of work to be done within a very short period of time. A few extra minutes can make a big difference and help prevent unnecessary accidents,” ProVision Partners Cooperative shared with its members, as part of their blog on Harvest Tips.
Every year, 1,000 farm vehicle crashes occur in the Midwest. Studies show that rear-end crashes by passenger vehicles are the most common type of accident involving ag equipment, often on roads with speed limits of 55 mph. Injuries occur 75% of the time with the non-ag driver 5 times more likely to get hurt than the ag driver. Harvest is the deadliest time with half of crashes occurring in the fall and between 2-6 p.m.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation also shared the following:
“It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week! Farmers across Wisconsin preparing to harvest the crops we all depend on.
🚘 Drivers: The message is simple. Please slow down and be patient when approaching farm vehicles on the road. It’s illegal to pass slow-moving agricultural equipment in a no passing zone. When legally passing, consider the possibility of the farm vehicle turning left into a roadway or field entrance.
🚜 Farmers: To enhance safety and visibility, be sure you have the appropriate lights and signage on your vehicle. We have resources here.
🙌 Share the road. Let’s all work together for a safe harvest season!”
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Author: News Desk
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