(ND Ag Connection) – By Scout Nelson

In the rush of the harvest season, safety should never take a backseat, especially when it comes to truck operations. According to experts from North Dakota State University, many accidents occur due to the pressure to complete tasks quickly.

“Harvest season always feels too short for work that must be done. There is an urge to go faster, work longer and push harder, but a few minutes invested in safety is time well spent,” notes Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator.

North Dakota has one of the highest rates of truck-involved crashes in the U.S. A study revealed that from 2016 to 2020, 66.7% of serious crashes happened on rural roads. Among these, 16% occurred on gravel roads, significantly higher than non-truck incidents. To enhance farm truck safety, consider these vital recommendations:

• Inspect the truck: Regularly check tires, lights, and visibility elements like windshields and mirrors.
• Wear your seatbelt: It is your best protection in a crash.
• Fight fatigue: Take breaks to stretch and hydrate and check your vehicle during these pauses.
• Maintain safe speeds: Be aware that loaded trucks take longer to stop.
• Ditch distractions: Focus solely on driving—avoid eating or using your phone.
• Prevent fires: Park in low-vegetation areas, repair leaks, and clean debris from hot parts.
• Account for visibility: Adjust your speed in poor visibility conditions.
• Use caution when entering fields: Slow down and watch for other traffic.
• Track your trailer in turns: Make wide turns and use your mirrors.
• Keep mud off the road: This is a hazard for other drivers.

Meanwhile, motorists should also exercise caution during harvest. Share the road with large trucks, pass safely, and be aware of blind spots. “The bottom line is that all drivers in farm country need to be extra cautious during harvest,” Johnson says. Prioritizing safety can prevent serious accidents, injuries, or loss of life.