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 The warming spring weather means an onslaught of activity in
farm fields across Illinois. This means a lot more farm
vehicular traffic on Illinois’ roadways over the next few weeks.
While the state’s stay-at-home mandate has reduced vehicular
traffic overall, it doesn’t change the fact that spring planting
season is one of the most dangerous times for farmers – both on
the roads and in the fields.
“Farmers are the backbone of our state’s economy, and I know how
hard they work this time of the year. But in the rush to get the
2020 crop in, we urge them to use caution while sharing the
road,” said Michael Kleinik, director of the Illinois Department
of Labor. “We all want farmers to head home to their families
safe and sound at the end of each day.”
Vehicle safety is an especially important focus this time of
year. Tractor overturns are the leading cause of fatalities in
the agriculture industry, according to the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration. These accidents result in about 130
deaths each year nationwide.
While tractor roll-over accidents most often occur on the farm,
roadways also pose a major safety hazard. Too often a vehicle
attempting to pass causes a collision before the tractor or farm
implement can finish a left-hand turn. Such collisions occur
simply because the driver fails to reduce speed for the slower
moving farm implement.
Impatience and speed are a deadly combination on rural roads
this time of year. Visibility is also a key to road safety. All
agricultural vehicles using the public roadways must display the
fluorescent orange Slow Moving Vehicle triangle.
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Additionally, tractors and other self-powered farm vehicles must have proper
lighting. According to Illinois law:
• Lighting is required from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after
sunrise.
• There should be two white lamps on the front of the vehicle, visible from at
least 1000 feet to the front of the vehicle.
• There should be two red lamps on the rear of the vehicle, visible from at
least 1000 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
• There should be at least one flashing amber signal lamp on the rear of the
vehicle, mounted as high as possible and visible from at least 500 feet, which
can be used during daylight as well.
Drivers should remember that farm vehicle operators have limited visibility to
the rear. Anyone passing such a vehicle needs to use extreme caution.
Modern farm equipment provides effective safety devices if they are used
properly. Death and serious injury from tractor roll overs can be prevented by
roll-over protective structures – a roll bar or cage designed to provide a safe
space around the driver.
Too often workers fail to use a vital part of this safety device – a safety
belt. Always buckle up.
Modern farm equipment can also invite farmers to push their limits. No one is as
safe as they should be when they are tired, hungry or thirsty. Rest. Nutrition.
Hydration. Tractors aren’t the only things that need maintenance and fuel to
function properly.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
