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Stay Safe This Harvest Season: Tips for Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment (2025)
As the leaves begin to turn and combines roll out across the heartland, it’s officially fall harvest season in Illinois. That means more farm equipment on the roads.
Whether you’re heading home from work or just out for a scenic drive, now is the time to stay alert. Big tractors and slow-moving combines aren’t just part of the scenery, they’re hardworking machines helping feed our communities. But when rural roads and heavy machinery mix, safety matters more than ever.
At Onward Injury Law, we care deeply about our neighbors. We’ve seen how fast a moment of inattention can lead to devastating crashes, especially during busy agricultural seasons. That’s why we’re sharing these 2025 fall harvest road safety tips to help keep everyone safe out there.
What Is National Farm Safety and Health Week?
Each September, National Farm Safety and Health Week shines a spotlight on the unique risks faced by farmers and rural drivers alike. It’s an annual reminder that safety is a shared responsibility, from the seat of a tractor to the driver’s seat of your car.
Want to learn more? The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) has excellent resources here: Visit NECAS Farm Safety Week
Understanding Farm Equipment on the Road
During harvest, you’re likely to see:
- Tractors
- Combines
- Grain carts
- Sprayers
- Wagons
These vehicles often travel 25 mph or less, even on roads with 55 mph speed limits. That’s a major difference in closing speed, and one reason why it’s so important to slow down, stay alert, and give them room.
Safe Driving Tips Around Farm Equipment
Here’s how to share the road safely this season:
- Stay at least 50 feet behind large machinery
Getting too close reduces your reaction time, and theirs. - Don’t assume they can see you
Most farm vehicles have large blind spots. - Avoid distracted or aggressive driving
No speeding, no tailgating, no texting. - Never pass unless it’s safe and legal
Wait for a clear passing zone and check for field entrances they may be turning into.
Why Do Farm Vehicles Swing Wide?
Ever seen a tractor veer right before turning left? It’s not indecision, it’s geometry. Wide turns are often necessary to navigate field entrances or rural driveways.
Here’s the danger: Some drivers mistake this move as an invitation to pass. In reality, over 50 percent of collisions with farm equipment happen during left turns.
Play it safe. Don’t pass unless you’re absolutely sure.
When Are Collisions Most Likely?
Timing matters. According to recent data:
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. is the highest-risk time window
- Speeding and poor visibility are leading factors
- Fall sunsets mean earlier darkness, so turn your lights on early and watch for shadows
Recognize the SMV Emblem
Look for the orange triangle with a red border. That’s the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign.
- If it’s dirty or hard to see, the driver may not know, but give them space anyway.
- Farm equipment often travels below 25 mph. If you see this symbol, reduce your speed immediately.
Distracted Driving is a Serious Threat
Texting near a tractor? Scrolling behind a sprayer? Don’t do it. On rural roads, distractions can be deadly. Here’s what you can do:
- Put your phone away or use Do Not Disturb
- Keep both hands on the wheel
- Expect the unexpected, especially near field drives or unmarked turns
A Shared Road, A Shared Responsibility
Fall harvest is more than a season, it’s a community effort. And that means we all have a part to play. So whether you’re a local farmer, a delivery driver, or just picking up dinner in town:
- Slow down
- Stay focused
- Be patient
Let’s all commit to getting home safe this harvest season.
Need Help After a Rural Road Crash?
At Onward Injury Law, we’re here to protect your rights and handle the hard stuff, so you can focus on healing. Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or insurance runaround, we’re in your corner.
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