It’s officially harvest season and day two of farm safety week

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — It’s officially harvest season and day two of Farm Safety Week.

That means rural roads will be a little more crowded. Farmers in Central Illinois want to remind people to watch out and be careful. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the agriculture industry is one of the most dangerous.

With more than 500 deaths a year, OSHA said most injuries and deaths in farming happen because of tractors overturning, with an estimate of 130 deaths a year.

One official in in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office said it’s important to know that farmers driving these larges vehicles can only go up to 25 miles per hour. And if passing, don’t speed. Be careful and make sure the farmer can see you in their review mirror.

One Decatur farmer said they understand people don’t want to be stuck behind them.

“Much rather be in the field or even home working on something. So, it’s just a necessary evil,” Paul Butler said. “The way farming is today, that we have to go and we’re trying to get off the road as quickly and safely as we can. And just a little cooperation there could goes a long way.”

Each day of farm safety week focuses on a different topic. Monday was equipment and rural road safety; Tuesday is farmer health and wellness.

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