Farm truck safety tips during busy cropping season

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

With the cropping season underway, farm trucks are increasingly active across rural roads. Experts from North Dakota State University (NDSU) remind drivers to give these large vehicles extra room to operate safely.

“Farm trucks are large and heavy,” said Angie Johnson, farm and ranch safety coordinator with NDSU-Extension. “They require more room for turning and stopping than we often expect.”

According to surveys by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, tractor-trailer semitrucks are the most common farm trucks used in the region. A fully loaded five-axle semi can weigh over 75,000 pounds, which takes up to 40% longer to stop than a typical car.

Semitrucks also have large blind spots, called “no zones,” where other vehicles may not be visible to the driver. “If you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirror, it’s likely that the driver can’t see you,” said Johnson. Drivers are encouraged to avoid cutting in front of trucks or lingering in these blind spots to reduce the risk of accidents.

Data from the National Safety Council shows that more than 70% of injuries and fatalities from large-truck crashes involve occupants of smaller vehicles. Rural roads, especially gravel roads, present unique challenges for truck drivers due to narrow lanes, damaged surfaces, and soft shoulders.

Kelly Bengtson, a road and bridge engineer with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, advises giving trucks extra space, especially at intersections where they may need to swing wide to turn. “Gravel roads or even some paved roads were not designed for the size of trucks using them now,” Bengtson said.

Farm trucks may also enter roadways unexpectedly or stop to service farm equipment. Dust from gravel roads can reduce visibility, so drivers should remain cautious.

Johnson and Bengtson both emphasize the importance of defensive driving. Patience and attention are key to preventing accidents, especially around farm trucks and equipment.

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