By Leah Kempker, Assistant Vice President of Fleet and Risk Management
Creating a safe operation extends beyond equipment and tasks. It includes managing your environment and staying alert on the road.
Awareness of surroundings and working conditions plays a critical role in daily safety. Agricultural professionals often spend long hours on the road, where changing conditions, fatigue, distractions and rural traffic patterns can increase risk.
By staying prepared, maintaining focus and using safe driving practices, employees can help protect themselves, support safer operations and reduce risk both on the farm and on the road.
Environmental Safety
Awareness of surroundings and working conditions plays a critical role in daily safety.
Best practices:
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Wear clothing appropriate for the task and conditions
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Take breaks and stay hydrated in high temperatures
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Keep barns and workspaces clean, organized and well-lit
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Restrict access to work areas for children and pets
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Secure and ventilate chemical storage areas
General Driving Safety
Agricultural professionals often spend long hours on the road. Safe driving habits are essential.
Best practices:
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Park well off the roadway and use hazard lights
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Inspect vehicles regularly for damage and maintenance issues
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Monitor fatigue and take breaks as needed
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Drive defensively and avoid aggressive behavior
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Use built-in safety features when available
Rural Road Awareness:
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Expect narrow lanes, blind curves and limited visibility
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Watch for wildlife and slow-moving equipment
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Maintain safe following distances
Avoiding Distracted Driving:
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Pull over before using a phone
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Set GPS before driving
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Allow passengers to assist with communication
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Keep devices out of reach
Farm Equipment on Public Roads:
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Ensure Slow Moving Vehicle signage is properly displayed
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Do not allow passengers in farm equipment
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Confirm implements are securely hitched
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Shut off engines before refueling
Preparedness:
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Maintain adequate fuel levels
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Keep phones charged
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Carry emergency supplies
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Do not rely on consistent cell service
Key reminder:
Staying alert, prepared and focused – both on the farm and on the road – helps protect individuals, operations and communities.
Safety is not a one-time effort – it is an ongoing commitment. By reinforcing best practices and remaining vigilant, we can help protect the people and operations that sustain American agriculture.