OREGON DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATON (ODOT): Farm season is rolling

EDITOR’S NOTE: Breaking News – Tillamook County is an agriculture county (yes, really!) And you’ll see tractors hauling trailers and harvesters and more rolling down Hwy. 101, along with the visitors, which adds yet another “fun” dynamic to summer travel. Please be patient and please don’t attempt to pass these hard-at-work farmers equipment when it’s unsafe to do so. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view – there’s always a great view in Tillamook County – and set an example for our visitors. Give the equipment and tractors space, don’t cut them off and understand they’ve got a job to do! Every time I’m on the road I witness a “near miss” – unsafe passing, excessive speed, random, sudden turns, inattention and so much more! Pay attention – put your phone down and rive safe out there – slow down and arrive alive.

ODOT, Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Farm Bureau urge drivers to stay alert around slow-moving equipment during Oregon’s peak harvest season

SALEM–From July through September, Oregon’s rural roads and highways become busier with more than just regular traffic—they’re filled with tractors, combines and other slow-moving farm equipment essential to the state’s agricultural economy. The Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Farm Bureau are teaming up to remind drivers: stay alert, slow down and share the road.

Sharing the road starts with awareness

“As we move deeper into farming season, you’ll see more farm machinery on our roads as farmers harvest crops and deliver their products to market,” said Lisa Charpilloz Hanson, Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “It’s crucial to remember that even though you may spot the farmers, they may not spot you. Large equipment comes with considerable blind spots, especially when backing up or navigating tight turns. Let’s prioritize safety on our roads, be vigilant and give them the space they need.”

Farm vehicles often travel under 25 mph, may take up more than one lane, and can make wide turns into fields or farm driveways. For many drivers, sharing the road with these vehicles is unfamiliar and that inexperience can increase risk.

“Even though the number of crashes involving farm equipment each year is relatively low, the outcomes can be serious—and avoidable,” said Mindy McCartt, ODOT Public Information Officer. “These are preventable incidents, and a little caution goes a long way.”

A small number of crashes, with serious consequences

In the last five years, Oregon has averaged 32 crashes involving farm equipment annually, resulting in about four serious injuries each year. Fatal crashes occurred in both 2020 and 2022. These numbers may seem small, but each one represents a person, a family and a community impacted.

Tips for drivers during farm season:

Drive defensively. Stay alert for equipment entering or crossing the road.
Slow down. Most farm vehicles travel under 25 mph—start braking early.
Stay back. Maintain at least 50 feet behind large farm equipment.
Pass only when safe. Wait for clear sightlines and legal zones; avoid passing near curves, bridges or field entrances.
Watch for wide turns. Equipment may veer unexpectedly to enter fields or driveways.
Yield when needed. Large vehicles may not be able to pull over—give them space.
Keep calm. Delays are temporary. Aggressive driving isn’t worth the risk.
Be extra cautious at intersections. Tall crops or unmarked field access points can reduce visibility.

Know the signs

Look for the orange triangle emblem on the back of farm vehicles. It signals a slow-moving vehicle—reduce your speed and pass only with care.

“As harvest picks up, more tractors and equipment will be on the road,” said Angi Bailey, President of the Oregon Farm Bureau. “Remember these are not only your neighbors on the road, but also our husbands, wives, sons, daughters and valued employees. We want everyone to come home safe at the end of the day. Please give farmers the space they need to do the job of growing food and fiber for Oregon and beyond.”

“Everyone wants to get where they’re going safely, whether that’s to the market or back to the barn,” McCartt added. “A few extra seconds of patience could save a life.”

With Oregon’s farms in full swing, ODOT, ODA, and the Oregon Farm Bureau encourage all drivers to keep safety top of mind. Let’s all do our part to share the road this season—with patience, awareness, and respect.