How to be a safe driver during harvest season

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) - Harvest season is approaching and that means there will be more large farm equipment on the roads.

Here are some reminders for drivers from John Thomas, Crops Extension Educator for University Nebraska at Lincoln Extension Center at Box Butte County.

1. Be alert on any roadway
2. Be patient with tractors, and slow down when getting close to them
3. Tractors might not have proper warning signage such as ‘oversize load’
4. Turn signals and brake lights might not work correctly
5. Farmers could be entering highways on roads not usually used for entrances
6. Limit distractions in the car such as phones, electronics, or eating
7. Expect higher traffic in processing areas.

“Harvest season is the most stressful time for farmers, a lot of them are trying to get their crops out and they might not be paying attention or they might be tired and could be not focused on the road,” Thomas said.

If drivers have more questions they can contact the UNL Extension Center at (308) 632-1230 or John Thomas at the UNL Extension Center in Box Butte County at (308) 762-5616.