Harvest Season Requires Drivers to Share the Road

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)  —  Harvest season is underway, and the Nebraska State Patrol encourages all motorists to be aware of agriculture equipment traveling on roads throughout the state.

“Agriculture plays a major role in our state. As ag producers continue their harvest, all motorists should stay alert for slow-moving ag implements,” said Captain Martin Denton, Commander of NSP Carrier Enforcement. “Due to their dimensions and loads, operator visibility is often reduced, so we encourage drivers to stay cautious when approaching, following, or attempting to pass farm vehicles.”

Agricultural products are moved across the country using various forms of transportation. According to the Bureau of Transportation, 2,259,610 trucks carry agricultural goods from farms to markets. Many producers use a harvest permit to transport their products, which offers several benefits, including an overweight allowance of up to 15 percent (within 70 miles of the source of the load) above the state limit. To use this exemption, product owners must provide haulers with a signed statement of origin and destination, such as this example.

When transporting these loads, haulers should prioritize vehicle safety by conducting pre-trip inspections, complying with traffic laws, displaying warning signs on machinery, using flashing yellow caution lights, and staying aware of vehicles attempting to pass.