Spring Safety While Sharing the Road

Miranda Neville, Agricultural Resource Specialist
Farm safety. This is always a trending topic at the first sign of green grass and then again when the leaves start changing. In Bradford County, there are tractors and farming equipment on the roads daily, but there is a significant uptick in the spring and fall. After a long, dark, cold winter, farmers have been anxiously awaiting sunshine and clear fields so they can tackle spring planting, followed by cutting hay all summer, then landing in the fields for one last time when they harvest their crops before the snowflakes begin to fall. 

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This time of year, you might see tractors pulling mowers, wagons, plows, or planters. With wet conditions this spring, field access can be difficult. Tensions often run high when growing seasons are shortened by even a few days. We’ve all had important deadlines to make whether it’s work related or school assignments. Imagine that stress compounded by thousands of dollars’ worth of seed that needs to be planted during a 2-day window or else you risk not being able to feed your livestock for the next year. Despite the stress, farmers still have an obligation to maintain safe driving practices when out on the roads. They are aware that they are sharing the roads with others who also have their own deadlines to meet. Farm machinery doesn’t have the ability to “keep up” with the standard flow of traffic, and even less if they are pulling something behind them. If you find yourself behind one of them, please use caution. Take it as a sign that you may also need to slow down and observe your surroundings.

Important reminders from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on Rural Roads Safety:

Be aware. We live in a very agriculturally rich area. If you don’t have a tractor yourself, I am willing to bet your neighbor does. Be patient. We are all in a rush, farmers and drivers alike. “Following a tractor for two miles at 20 mph takes only six minutes of your time.” Don’t let those six minutes cost you or someone else their life. Yield to wide vehicles. Much like meeting an ‘Oversized Load’, farm vehicles are wider than the average vehicle. They don’t always require pilot cars, but they will typically be utilizing hazard lights to alert you. Don’t assume farmers can see you. Even with mirrors, if they are hauling a large wagon, they will not always have a visual of who is behind them. Most will pull over if they see traffic behind them, but only when it’s safe to do so. Pass with caution. Even passing farm equipment, it’s still essential to follow all safe driving practices. Be alert and never assume that just because the tractor slowed down, that you can safely pass. Be aware of left turns into fields or farms. Refer to the PA Farm Bureau “Rural Roads Safety” brochure for important reminders as farmers or drivers in more heavily farmed areas.

At the end of the day, we all want to be home safely with our loved ones. Just like fellow drivers, farmers are also husbands, wives, parents, children, and friends.

The Bradford County Conservation District is committed to helping people manage resources wisely.  You can visit the Bradford County Conservation District at 200 Lake Rd in Wysox across from the Wysox Fire Hall. Contact us at (570) 485-3144 or visit our web page at www.bccdpa.com.