It’s that time of the year again, where you may be sharing the road with farm vehicles and equipment as they make their way to and from their fields. Being that Chatham-Kent is such an agriculturally rich landscape, we thought it may be best to share some road safety tips when it comes to Fall Harvest.

• Slow down immediately when you see farm equipment ahead of you on the road. Farm equipment cannot travel as fast as regular vehicles (and even slower, still, if they are hauling full bins).
• Be patient and wait to safely pass farm equipment. Unsafe passing is one of the primary factors of motor vehicle accidents responded to in rural areas in the Fall. Tip: Leave a few minutes early to allow for any delays brought on by farm equipment in your travels.
• Farm equipment often has to make wide turns, so be aware of that and help out by being patient and giving them room to turn.
• Since some of the equipment is fairly wide, you may still have to edge out on the other side of the road, further than normal; even though growers are very good at getting over as far as they safely can to let you by. Road shoulders can be notoriously tricky; they are even more challenging when the ground is as wet.
• Harvest may increase wildlife movement, both day and night. Watch your speed and scan your surroundings for travelling deer and other species as you drive. Like anything else, situational awareness will help reduce your risk.

And, as always, please be kind. Know that farmers and farm workers are doing their best to choose low-traffic routes and travel as safely and efficiently as possible. As they work extra-long hours to be able provide you and your loved ones with food for your tables, remember that often, they are missing out on moments and memories with their own.

Happy Harvest, CK!