August 27, 2002

Farm Trucks Present Risks at Harvest Time

Accidents involving farm trucks happen on and off the road every year, but they increase at harvest time. According to a North Dakota State University agriculture safety expert, many accidents are preventable with some precautions.

“Large trucks require more care whether they are empty or loaded. They handle much differently than the family car or pickup,” says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. “More time and distance is needed to accelerate and stop and slower speeds are needed to turn safely.” A fully loaded grain, beet or potato truck has more momentum than an empty truck and that changes how the truck handles.

“Large trucks are easier to see and are usually moving faster than they appear to be. Other motorists may misjudge the speed of the truck, thinking that it is moving slower than it actually is,” Maher says

Maher gives precautions that need to be taken by drivers of farm trucks and other vehicles:

• Farm trucks must be equipped with working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Clearance lights indicating the size of the truck are also recommended.

• Overloading affects the handling and control of a truck, and can cause damage to county roads.  Grain spilling or blowing from the box is a safety hazard to other motorists.

• A daily check of the truck tires for proper inflation, cuts, bulges and other defects should be conducted.

• Clear vision is a necessity. Looking into the setting sun or glare of oncoming headlights is dangerous with a buildup of grain dust on the windows.  Frequent use of the windshield washers will keep the outside clean and use of a spray bottle of window cleaner and paper towels will keep windows clean on the inside.

• Don't push yourself past your abilities, there is a limit to how long and hard you can work. The noise and other conditions of truck driving can bring fatigue earlier than other types of work. Fatigue increases your reaction time and reduces your mental alertness.

• Always buckle your seatbelt!  Having a seatbelt fastened around you will help to insure better posture in the seat, decreasing back-strain throughout a long day.

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Stephanie Renner, (701) 231-8371, srenner@ndsuext.nodak.edu