We all understand the message “don’t text and drive.”
But what does the message mean for Ag producers? General dangers exist operating farm equipment such as tractors, combines, farm trucks, and semi-tractor trailers as well as other high clearance machines. The size, weight, and lack of maneuverability of heavy equipment and trucks can lead to fatal accidents as drivers perform multiple tasks while driving. The increase in susceptibility to causing or being involved in an accident sharply rises if drivers are distracted. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration research shows the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event which includes a crash, near-crash or unintentional lane deviation are 23.2 times greater for truck drivers. This research is easily transferrable for the farm tractor and truck operator. Texting and driving takes our eyes and mind off the road.
Check out this No Texting Rule Fact Sheet for easily adaptable solutions to keep yourself and others safe while operating farm machinery.
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