Ag Minute: Sharing the Road

With fall harvest underway across Sangamon County, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and Sangamon County Farm Bureau are reminding motorists to slow down, remain patient and use extra caution when sharing the road with farm equipment.

National Farm Safety and Health Week was observed September 21-25, but the need for additional caution continues throughout harvest. This year’s observance included a specific focus on equipment and rural roadway safety, an issue that becomes increasingly visible as tractors, combines, grain trucks and other agricultural equipment travel between fields.

Illinois crash statistics show why that caution matters. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported 275 crashes involving farm tractors or farm equipment in 2024.

State data also show farm tractor and equipment vehicles were involved in 74 injury crashes and four fatal crashes that year.

“Farm equipment is going to be a common sight on our roads over the next several weeks, and we are asking drivers to slow down and give farmers the room they need,” Sheriff Paula Crouch said. “Trying to save a minute or two by following too closely or making an unsafe pass is not worth the risk. We want everyone using our roads to make it home safely.”

One of the biggest challenges is the difference in speed between regular vehicles and farm machinery. Drivers approaching equipment from behind can close the distance much faster than they expect. Large machinery can also limit visibility, extend beyond a normal traffic lane and require additional room to make turns.

Drivers should avoid assuming a farmer is pulling to the right to allow them to pass. Farm equipment may move right before making a wide left turn into a field, driveway or farm entrance. Motorists should watch carefully for turn signals or hand signals and wait until they have a clear, legal opportunity to pass.

“Harvest is an important time of year for our farm families, and getting equipment safely from one field to another is part of the job,” Sangamon County Farm Bureau President Jim Birge said. “We ask motorists to be patient when they encounter farm equipment and wait until they have a clear and safe opportunity to pass. A little extra caution from everyone can help keep our farmers and our neighbors safe.”

The Sheriff’s Office and Farm Bureau encourage motorists to allow extra travel time during harvest, leave additional following distance and reduce their speed when approaching farm machinery. Drivers should also watch for flashing amber lights and the orange and red slow-moving vehicle emblem used on equipment traveling at lower speeds.

Passing should only occur when it is both legal and safe. Illinois State Police reminds motorists that passing is prohibited in designated no-passing zones and within 100 feet of intersections, railroad crossings and bridges.

Farmers can also help reduce roadway risks by making sure lights, reflectors and warning devices are visible and free of dust or mud before entering the roadway. When conditions allow, operators should also be aware of traffic building behind them and look for a safe opportunity to allow vehicles to pass.

Harvest is one of the busiest times of the year for Illinois agriculture, and farm equipment will remain a regular sight on rural roads in the weeks ahead. For farmers and motorists alike, a few extra minutes of patience can help make sure everyone gets where they are going safely.