Watch For Harvest Traffic Across the Northwest

With wheat harvest taking place across the Northwest, and fruit harvest not too far into the future, local law enforcement is reminding drivers to watch for farm equipment this time of year.

“They are going to be in the right lane, the right side of the highway and they are going to be driving slow," said Trooper Chris Thorson with the Washington State Patrol.  "So, please be aware of them.  They are usually very cautious, they are not out there to start any trouble they are just trying to move their farm implements point A to point B so they can keep their jobs going.”

Thorson added tractors and other implements will have their tractor triangle to help with any visibility issues.  He adds it’s up to the general public, to avoid those large pieces of equipment.

“I’ve personally gone out to collisions with full-sized pickup trucks, who rear ended and double trailer hay truck.  And you will absolutely not win that battle.  In fact the drivers usually say all they really feel is a bump behind them and they pull over and realize there is a totally smashed car behind them.”

Farmers typically transport their equipment early in the day or late in the evening when traffic is light.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com