Farm Safety Week Means Increase in Equipment Traffic

HarvestIndiana farmers are preparing for their fall harvests and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture is asking local motorists to be mindful.

Harvest season often means additional slow-moving farm equipment traveling the roadway. Indiana has 57-thousand farming operations in the state.

The campaign, being undertaken by multiple state agencies, is teaming up for “Be Alert, Slow Down, Share the Road.” Across the U.S. farm equipment vehicles were involved in 93 fatal crashes each year on average.

The campaign coincides with National Farm Safety Week which is promoting similar safety efforts across the nation. Indiana state officials say that patience for farm vehicles, and understanding their speed will dramatically improve road safety.

Many farmers will pull over their vehicles to allow congested traffic to pass them on their way to their fields.