A recent article from Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety Center (UMASH) found that in 2019, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the most dangerous sector in America is still agriculture - responsible for 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.
As we enter into the busy harvest season, this is a good time to remember the importance of exercising extreme caution while you're working on a farm, operating farming machinery, or even driving on rural roads. 
Anytime you are driving machinery on the farm, remember to:
- Wear a seatbelt and use hearing protection when necessary
- Exercise caution while driving and travel at reasonable speeds
- Avoid travel during dusk and dawn when visibility is reduced
- Check that you have slow-moving vehicle placards and reflective safety strips installed to be more visible on the road
- Ensure all lights on the vehicle are working properly (i.e. headlights, turn signals, caution lights, etc.)
Whether in a tractor or a car, we can all make rural roadways safer:
- Take special caution during peak farming seasons
- Slow down and be patient
- Never pass farm equipment while in no-passing zones
- Use turn signals before passing
Remember – no one can take your place. Practice safety precautions to ensure you and your crew make it home every night this harvest season.
For more information about ways to ensure you are operating your farming equipment safely, watch the video below by the U.S. Agricultural Safety & Health Centers.