GREENSBORO, MD – The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) has introduced a new public service announcement (PSA) featuring Caroline County farmers Levi and Kristin Hayman to promote rural road safety awareness. As the harvest season nears, MDFB is reminding Maryland motorists to share the roads safely with farm equipment, which is essential in producing food, fuel, and fiber for the state.
The PSA highlights the need for drivers to stay vigilant during the fall months when farmers frequently move large machinery from field to field on rural roads. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution, ensuring they only pass tractors when it is safe and legal. The wide turns required by farm equipment mean that these vehicles often need more space, making it crucial for drivers to remain patient and attentive.
The Maryland Farm Bureau has teamed up with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture to address the importance of rural road safety. A recent press release from these organizations underscores the dangers that farmers and motorists face when sharing the road. Since 2020, there have been 185 crashes involving farm equipment on Maryland roads, including three fatalities, according to the SHA.
“Maryland farmers work tirelessly every day to keep our communities fed, and they deserve to be safe on the roads,” said Jamie Raley, president of the Maryland Farm Bureau. “We urge all Maryland motorists to stay alert and be mindful of the farm equipment sharing our roadways to ensure the safety of both drivers, their passengers, and our farmers.”
Rural roads present unique challenges for drivers. According to Nationwide, MDFB’s insurance partner, while only 19% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, these roads account for 45% of vehicle-related fatalities. Nationwide’s “Drive the 5” campaign focuses on five critical road safety principles: staying distraction-free, being well-rested and alert, avoiding impairment, keeping vehicles well-maintained, and staying aware of surroundings.
With the fall harvest season fast approaching, the Maryland Farm Bureau emphasizes the need for increased caution. Tractors and other farm machinery are essential for transporting the crops that sustain Maryland, but their slow-moving nature can pose risks for both farmers and motorists. The PSA, now circulating on various platforms, aims to remind drivers to slow down, remain cautious, and respect the machinery that helps support the state’s agricultural industry.
The collaboration between MDFB, SHA, and the Maryland Department of Agriculture represents a unified approach to tackling road safety issues. Beyond Maryland, rural road safety remains a concern across the U.S., with a higher percentage of fatalities occurring in rural areas despite the lower population density.
This fall, the MDFB calls on all Marylanders to play their part in ensuring the safety of farmers and other drivers. By sharing the road responsibly and following safety guidelines, motorists can help prevent accidents and protect the lives of those working to keep the state’s food supply flowing.
