Stay alert during harvest

Fall is a time to be on the lookout for farm equipment on the highway, and according to the Nebraska State Patrol, there's plenty of reason to be cautious.

Not only do we need to be careful passing combines, grain carts, tractors and other agricultural equipment on its way to or from the fields, but there's a good chance that next truck you see has bad brakes.

During Brake Safety Week, Sept. 22-26, sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Nebraska State Patrol CVSA-certified inspectors conducted 916 level-one inspection.

That means both the driver and vehicle receive a comprehensive check.

Of the 916 checks, 147 had defects serious enough for the trucks to be taken out of service. That's 16 percent of the trucks they checked.

The problem resurfaces each year come harvest time, with old farm trucks pressed into service one time a year.

It behooves anyone who operates a large truck to make sure it is safe and ready for the road.

It's up to the rest of us, however, to give them plenty of room and stay out of their way.

When it comes to other agricultural equipment, the State Patrol reminds operators that they may travel on the shoulder of the roadway, when available.

They should also remember to use slow moving vehicle triangles, and use their flashing yellow caution lights whenever they are on the road.

When turning left from the roadway into field and farm entrances, operators are cautioned to be aware of vehicles attempting to pass. If an occupant restraint system is available in the implement they are driving, operators are encouraged to buckle up.

If you're traveling through the Golden Plains during harvest time, especially on hilly roads, allow yourself plenty of leeway in case you encounter one of these slow moving vehicles.

It's up to all of us to share the road carefully to make sure harvest time is safe and enjoyable for all.