Prioritizing truck safety can prevent rural road accident
With the harvest season in full swing, North Dakota State University's farm safety experts are emphasizing the importance of stringent safety practices around farm trucks.
According to Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator, investing a few minutes in safety can substantially mitigate the risks associated with rural road accidents.
“The bottom line is that all drivers in farm country need to be extra cautious during harvest,” Johnson notes. This statement comes in light of recent statistics indicating a high rate of truck-involved crash fatalities in North Dakota, especially on rural and gravel roads.
To combat these dangers, NDSU experts advocate several proactive safety steps. Key recommendations include conducting thorough inspections of trucks at the start of each day and after shifts, wearing seatbelts, maintaining reasonable speeds, and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or eating while driving.
Additionally, ensuring clean and visible windshields, mirrors, headlights, and taillights can significantly improve both visibility and safety.
Farm truck operators are also urged to take regular breaks to fight fatigue – we know this can be difficult at harvest time, but it is essential, Operators are also reminded to check vehicle components and stay hydrated. Another critical piece of advice is to be mindful of vehicle loading and unloading protocols, especially when maneuvering in and out of fields.
For non-farm motorists, the advice is straightforward yet vital - give large trucks plenty of room, pass only when it's safe, and remain vigilant for trucks entering traffic from fields and farm accesses.
Motorists should also be aware of large trucks’ blind spots, avoiding the so-called "no zones" where the truck driver may not have visibility.
By adhering to these guidelines, both farm workers and regular motorists can contribute to safer travel conditions during one of the busiest times of the year for agricultural communities. This collective effort can lead to fewer accidents, ensuring a safer harvest season for everyone.