Opinion: Remember to brake for harvest equipment this fall
Brian Milne.
By Brian Milne, Vice President of Communications at Holloway’s Paso Robles office.
– Harvest season is a time of abundance in our local vineyards and fields — but it can also be a time of risk on our roadways.
With thousands of farm vehicles sharing rural California highways this fall, a little patience behind the wheel can help keep our farmers, harvest crews and drivers safe.
That is why Holloway, the California Highway Patrol and other agricultural partners are promoting a #BrakeForHarvest public service announcement campaign through the busy harvest season, warning drivers to use extra caution while traveling through rural areas where harvest machinery and crews are working.
Throughout the Central Coast, September marks the height of the busy harvest season, with wine grapes, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables being harvested at all hours of the day and night.
According to the Census of Agriculture, nearly 4.5 million farm vehicles operate on U.S. farmlands, and those vehicles are overrepresented in road crashes considering their limited miles traveled. Additionally, several studies have found the majority of farm vehicle collisions occur in the fall, with October being the peak month as harvest season accounts for nearly 40% of farm vehicle crashes.
“As harvest ramps up across California, we’re asking drivers to be extra mindful when traveling through farming communities,” Holloway CEO Brian Maxted said. “This is one of the busiest times of year, with school traffic mixing with harvest crews and equipment on rural roads. Please give yourself a little extra time, slow down near fields and intersections, avoid distractions, and help ensure the safety of our farmworkers, neighbors, and families.”
California Highway Patrol Central Division Public Information Officer Hector Carias says patience is key when encountering farm vehicles on our roadways.
“As harvest season approaches, you may encounter slow-moving farm equipment on rural roads,” Officer Carias said. “Be patient. Farm vehicles move much slower than regular traffic, often under 25 mph. Avoid tailgating and give them plenty of space.”
Officer Carias shared more tips for rural drivers as part of the campaign below, adding drivers should pass safely and stay alert in harvest areas, particularly when an orange triangle on equipment signals a slow-moving farm vehicle.
“When you see this,” he added, “reduce speed and be prepared to share the road.”
The concept for the #BrakeForHarvest PSA campaign came about three seasons ago when then Holloway Ag Operations Manager Alex Parsons was driving across the Central California enroute to an orchard removal project, when he noticed heavy equipment operators having a hard time making the turn onto a ranch while residents sped past dangerously.
Parsons brought up the safety concerns, and Holloway’s team thought it would make a great PSA campaign for the ag industry to warn drivers of the challenges drivers and harvest crews were faced with when mobilizing harvesting equipment, trailers, and moving from ranch to ranch during the busy harvest season.
“Harvest season means long hours and a lot of moving parts for our crews,” said Parsons, who currently manages planting operations and equipment for Grimmway Farms. “With dust, tractors, and trailers on the roads, we just ask drivers to take it slow and be cautious. Farming is a big part of what keeps our community strong, and it makes a difference when neighbors help keep everyone safe.”
Harvest season driving tips from the CHP
As harvest season approaches, you may encounter slow-moving farm equipment on rural roads. Stay safe by following these tips, courtesy California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Hector Carias:
· Be Patient: Farm vehicles move much slower than regular traffic, often under 25 mph. Avoid tailgating and give them plenty of space.
· Pass Safely: Only pass when it’s legal and safe. Make sure you have a clear view ahead and enough distance to complete the maneuver.
· Stay Alert: Farm vehicles may be wider than normal vehicles and can make sudden stops or turns, sometimes crossing lanes. Be cautious and aware of their signals.
· Look for the Orange Triangle: Slow-moving vehicles display an orange triangle on the back. When you see this, reduce speed and be prepared to share the road.
Thank you to CHP-Central Division Public Information Officer Hector Carias for his contributions to the #BrakeForHarvest campaign!
Be Part of the #BrakeForHarvest Campaign
Holloway and its partners asks those in the agriculture industry and beyond to reshare and support the #BrakeForHarvest campaign during the harvest season running through the end of the year.
Social media followers and other ag vendors are welcome to visit brakeforharvest.com and download #BrakeForHarvest logos, example social media posts, and photos of harvest machinery moving on our local roadways.
Good luck to all of our growers and thank you to all of our harvest crews and partners this harvest season. Be safe out there!
