As fall harvest wraps up, both crop growers and motorists face increased interactions between farm equipment and vehicles, raising the risk of accidents. K-State assistant professor Ed Brokesh explains that collisions often occur when vehicles, traveling at much higher speeds than machinery, rear-end or side-swipe equipment. Tractors are involved in 39% of these accidents. Other dangers include wrongful passing and left-hand turns, where the size and weight differences between vehicles and farm machinery make the smaller vehicle more vulnerable to damage, often resulting in fatalities or injuries.
Brokesh stresses the importance of experienced operators, as younger or less-skilled drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. He recommends that producers enforce a minimum age requirement and ensure new hires are properly trained before operating machinery on roads. New employees should receive thorough instruction on how to safely operate equipment both on roads and in fields, rather than being left to figure it out on their own.
Brokesh also advises defensive driving, increased attention to rearview mirrors, and proper marking and maintenance of equipment. He emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility, calling for more training on agricultural equipment and educating all motorists to reduce the risk of accidents.
