September 30, 2025 –As harvest season begins across Central Illinois, local law enforcement agencies and area Farm Bureaus are urging motorists to slow down, stay alert, and use caution when traveling on rural roadways.
Drivers can expect an increased presence of farm machinery moving between fields and along public roads. Officials warn that traffic incidents involving farm equipment tend to rise during harvest months, often due to driver impatience or unsafe passing maneuvers.
Motorists are advised to follow several safety precautions during the fall harvest:
- Allow extra travel time to accommodate slow-moving vehicles on rural roads.
- Maintain a safe following distance to improve visibility around large farm equipment.
- Reduce speed when approaching farm vehicles, especially those displaying flashing amber lights or reflective triangles indicating caution.
- Avoid passing in no-passing zones, at intersections, or near railroad crossings and bridges.
- Watch for turn signals or hand signals from farmers, particularly on older equipment that may not have modern lighting.
Law enforcement officials note that taking a few extra minutes to practice safe driving habits can help prevent serious or even fatal accidents. Drivers are reminded that farm equipment operators have the legal right to use public roadways and may need to make wide turns or travel at significantly reduced speeds.
Harvest activity is expected to continue throughout October and into early November, depending on weather conditions.
For more information on rural road safety and farm equipment laws, motorists can contact their local Farm Bureau or law enforcement agency.
