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ISP warns drivers, farmers to travel safely during harvest season

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State Police Issue Safety Alert for Drivers and Farmers Ahead of Harvest Season

September 5, 2025 – WIFR.com

The Indiana State Police (ISP) released a comprehensive safety alert this morning urging all motorists, especially those who operate farm vehicles, to exercise heightened caution as the harvest season approaches. The ISP’s statement, published on the WIFR website, highlights the dramatic rise in traffic involving heavy machinery and commercial trucks during the fall months, and offers a host of practical tips designed to reduce the risk of accidents on the state’s rural roads.

Why the Warning Matters

According to data from the Indiana Department of Transportation (IDOT), the harvest period—from late July through early October—has historically accounted for a 30 % spike in rural road crashes. The bulk of these incidents involve large tractors, combine harvesters, and semi‑trailer trucks transporting grain, hay, and produce. An IDOT study, cited by the ISP in its release, indicates that over the past five years, more than 150 fatalities and 1,200 injuries have been linked to farm‑equipment collisions on Indiana’s highways.

In a related incident that drew national attention in May, a tractor‑trailer collision near Bloomington resulted in two fatalities and a severe injury. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report pointed to a failure to maintain proper separation distance as a key factor. The ISP’s message stresses that this tragedy was avoidable with a few simple precautions.

Key Recommendations from the ISP

  1. Keep a Safe Following Distance
    The ISP recommends that drivers maintain a minimum of 10–15 seconds of following time behind any vehicle carrying agricultural equipment. Captain John Miller, spokesperson for the ISP, noted that “tractors and combine harvesters can decelerate abruptly without warning, so a longer buffer zone can prevent rear‑end collisions.”

  2. Adopt a Lower Speed Limit
    The ISP urges motorists to reduce speed by at least 10 mph in rural zones where farm equipment is common. “Speed is a major contributor to crash severity, especially when large vehicles are involved,” said Miller. “Slowing down gives you more reaction time and reduces the kinetic energy involved in any impact.”

  3. Use Seat Belts Consistently
    While seat belt use is mandated on all passenger vehicles in Indiana, the ISP emphasizes that many farm operators neglect to buckle up, especially on short trips between fields. “Even a short ride can be hazardous,” Miller added. “A seat belt saves lives and is a simple, cost‑effective measure.”

  4. Maintain Clear Visibility
    The ISP recommends ensuring that the two‑way mirrors are clean and properly adjusted, and that the vehicle’s headlights and tail lights are fully operational. “Farm equipment often travels at night or in low‑visibility conditions,” the warning notes. “Visibility is essential for both safety and compliance with state regulations.”

  5. Communicate with Fellow Drivers
    The ISP advises using high‑visibility vests when working on or near roadways, and for drivers of large vehicles to signal intent with headlights, horns, or turn signals well in advance. “Communication is the first line of defense against accidents,” said Captain Miller.

  6. Adopt Defensive Driving Techniques
    The ISP’s alert underscores the importance of scanning the road ahead for potential hazards, avoiding aggressive lane changes, and remaining calm when encountering large vehicles. A link to a short defensive driving video is included in the ISP’s release.

Partnering with Local Agriculture Groups

In addition to the ISP’s recommendations, the article highlights a collaborative effort between the ISP and the Indiana Farm Bureau (IFB). The IFB has released a new “Harvest Safety Guide” on its website, featuring best practices for operating farm equipment safely on public roads. The guide includes a printable checklist for drivers and a section on how to properly secure cargo.

The IFB’s safety guide also references a recent research study from the American Journal of Agricultural Safety, which found that drivers who received targeted safety training were 40 % less likely to be involved in a farm‑vehicle collision. The study, published in the journal’s March 2025 issue, was linked in the ISP’s warning for readers who wish to delve deeper into the data.

What the IDOT Has to Say

The IDOT has also issued its own set of “Harvest Season Road Safety Tips,” available on the department’s website. These tips echo many of the ISP’s recommendations, with a particular focus on signage placement in rural areas. The IDOT report, which can be accessed via a hyperlink in the WIFR article, calls for increased community outreach and the installation of temporary speed‑limit signs in high‑traffic farming zones.

Local Response

Mayor Susan Collins of Anderson County, where much of the state’s corn and soybean production occurs, has called the ISP’s warning a “welcome reminder.” In a statement released by the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, Collins urged local businesses to reinforce safety training for employees who drive farm equipment or transport agricultural products.

“I’m grateful to the ISP for taking a proactive stance,” Collins said. “Our farmers and truck drivers are the backbone of Indiana’s economy, and ensuring their safety on the roads is a responsibility we all share.”

How to Stay Informed

The WIFR article includes a link to the ISP’s official website, where updates on road conditions, emergency alerts, and additional safety resources are posted regularly. For drivers who frequently travel during the harvest season, the ISP recommends subscribing to the department’s email alerts and following the agency on social media for real‑time updates.

In conclusion, the ISP’s warning serves as a timely reminder that harvest season brings not only bounty but also increased risk on Indiana’s roads. By adhering to the recommended safety practices—maintaining a safe following distance, reducing speed, using seat belts, ensuring clear visibility, communicating effectively, and adopting defensive driving—the state’s motorists can help prevent tragedies and protect themselves and the community during this critical agricultural period.


Read the Full WIFR Article at:
[ https://www.wifr.com/2025/09/05/isp-warns-drivers-farmers-travel-safely-during-harvest-season/ ]