With harvest season fast approaching, the National Safety Council is urging Illinoisans to drive safe as the third week of September is marked as National Farm Safety Week.  This week emphasizes not just safety in the fields, but also the need for farm vehicle and rural road safety.  

According to State Representative Brad Halbrook, agriculture in Illinois has the highest rate of worker deaths compared to other industries.  According to the University of Illinois there are 21.3 deaths per 100,000 in the industry.  Every day farmers put themselves at risk by doing their job, whether it is driving a tractor on a public road, maintaining equipment, working in silos, or working with large, heavy livestock. National Farm Safety and Health Week is a good reminder to recognize potential dangers and take steps to avoid those dangers. 

 Farmers put in a lot of hours with very few breaks and Representative Halbrook urges farmers to take breaks. ?He encourages all farmers to remember three words: rest, nutrition, and hydration. 

Representative Halbrook says that everyone can help keep farmers safe by watching for slower-moving vehicles on the roadways.