Sangamon Co officials urge safe driving during harvest season

SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) — The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and the County Farm Bureau are reminding drivers to be extra careful on the roads as harvest season begins.

The organizations said drivers can expect to see more farm equipment traveling between fields in the coming weeks.

"Patience and awareness go a long way in preventing accidents," said Sheriff Paula Crouch. "A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference and help both farmers and drivers get home safe to their families."

Recommendations from the organizations include allowing for extra travel time and being prepared for slower traffic, increasing following distance, and never passing in a no-passing zone.

"Drivers need to know that the extremely large equipment farmers use have many blind spots," Manager of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau Jim Birge said. "Don't assume that they can see you just because you are right behind them. If you can't see them in their mirrors, then they can't see you."