(Undated)– It’s harvest season, and here’s another reminder to be safe out on the roads with the high number of slow-moving agricultural implements on the roads. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kevin Krull says there are several hazards to look out for this time of the year…
“So we just need to be understanding that they’re out there and no passing zones are still no passing zones whether it’s ag equipment that we’re passing or anything else.”
Krull reminds drivers that unlike most other vehicles, when you come up behind a farm implement, they’re going to come up much faster, due to their slow speed and the difference between your speed and theirs…
“Your time that you have to react is going to be greatly reduced and that’s why it’s so important not to be distracted when we’re driving because when you come upon a vehicle that’s doing 30 miles-per-hour or less on the roadway, you’re used to coming up on vehicles that are doing 40, 50 miles-per-hour, and that distance and speed really makes that decision making process important.”
He tells us that while any fatalities are too many, the thought of the numbers of fatalities on the roads is a sobering thought…
“We’re talking about at 282 deaths this year, hoping to be under 300. Obviously that’s not looking to favorable for us. We’re up 10 percent from last year which actually wasn’t a good year for us. So we’re just looking for people to make that adjustment. If nothing else let’s just, let’s look at the next trip that we take and saying that we’re going to be that safe driver.”
Krull says it’s going to be difficult to hold that number down to less than 300 this year, but everyone can do their part by wearing their seatbelt, not drinking and driving, and not driving distracted.
(Courtesy Community First Broadcasting station KIWA in Sheldon).
