The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) has launched a new video public service announcement (PSA) featuring Caroline County farmers Levi and Kristin Hayman to raise awareness about rural road safety. As harvest season approaches, MDFB is reminding Maryland motorists to share the road safely with farm equipment, which plays a vital role in producing the food, fuel, and fiber that sustains our state.

During the fall months, many farmers in Maryland will be operating farm equipment on rural roads, moving from field to field. Motorists are urged to pass tractors only when it is safe and legal, and to be mindful of the extra space farm equipment often requires making wide turns. Staying vigilant and patient on the road is essential to ensuring the safety of both drivers and farmers alike.

In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, MDFB recently joined a press release highlighting the importance of rural road safety. SHA notes that since 2020, there have been 185 crashes, including three fatalities, involving farm equipment on Maryland roads.

“Maryland farmers work tirelessly every day to keep our communities fed, and they deserve to be safe on the roads,” said Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley. “We urge all Maryland motorists to stay alert and be mindful of the farm equipment sharing our roadways to ensure the safety of both drivers, their passengers and our farmers.”

MDFB’s insurance partner Nationwide reports that while only 19% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, rural roads account for 45% of vehicle-related fatalities. Their ‘Drive the 5’ campaign emphasizes five key principles of road safety: staying distraction-free, being well-rested and alert, avoiding impairment, keeping vehicles properly maintained, and staying aware of the environment.