Harvest time in California and across the nation brings a bustle of activity to rural roads and highways. With harvest also comes particular concern about vehicle and equipment accidents related to agricultural work, highlighted by National Farm Safety and Health Week during the week of Sept. 15-21.

"Vehicles and equipment account for most fatal injuries associated with agricultural work," says James Meyers, a UC Cooperative Extension state farm-safety specialist. "In California, more than 40 worker deaths per year are associated with farm vehicles and equipment. And these figures don't count the other drivers, vacationing families and local workers also involved in fatal incidents with agricultural vehicles each year."

Rural areas in California are among the state's fastest-growing communities. This means there is more traffic on county roads and two-lane state highways that cut through agricultural area, increasing the risk for crashes and serious injuries involving agricultural vehicles.

"The hazards are further increased as we enter the fall harvest season," says Meyers. "Farmers, farm workers and those transporting agricultural products usually know the limitations of their vehicles, but they must remember that most of the general public usually doesn't realize that farm vehicles or equipment move slowly and have limited maneuverability."

He reminds farmers and agricultural workers that all equipment moving on public roads must display orange, triangular Slow Moving Vehicle emblems, supplemented with warning lights. Operators need to be especially aware of faster-moving vehicles approaching from the rear or at intersections.

Where practical, pilot vehicles should follow behind equipment moving on public roads. Furthermore, operators should never allow riders on equipment unless they have a seat, seatbelt and rollover protection.