With the harvest season in full swing, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Sangamon County Farm Bureau are urging motorists to exercise caution when traveling on county roads, where they may encounter slow-moving farm equipment. The increased presence of tractors, heavy trucks, and combines on local roads presents unique challenges, especially on rural roads with hills and curves that limit visibility.
To help avoid accidents during this busy time, the Sheriff’s Office has issued the following safety tips for drivers:
Remain alert
Watch for slow-moving vehicles
Be patient
Slow down
Maintain a safe following distance
Pass with caution
Remember: If you can’t see the equipment driver in their mirrors, they can’t see you
Share the road safely
Allow extra time to reach your destination
Jim Birge, Manager of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau, emphasized the importance of patience and awareness when navigating roads shared by both agricultural and urban traffic. “We have over half a million acres of farm ground in Sangamon County, but we also have many urban areas. The problem comes when drivers aren’t patient or when city drivers encounter farming vehicles. If we think about these situations ahead of time, we should be able to avoid an accident. Farmers and motorists all have a role to play,” Birge said.
As the harvest continues, motorists are reminded to plan for extra travel time and remain cautious, ensuring a safe season for both drivers and farmers.