Farm equipment crashes prompt harvest road safety plea

Michigan State Police data show 114 crashes involving farm equipment statewide so far this year, including two deaths. In 2025, the state recorded 179 such crashes and three fatalities. October historically has the second-highest number of farm equipment crashes, according to the agency’s traffic dashboard.

Brett Roberts, a Charlotte farmer and president of the Eaton County Farm Bureau, said close calls with drivers trying to pass farm equipment are common. He said farmers use public roads to move crops between fields.

As of early October, 1% of Michigan’s corn and 10% of its soybeans had been harvested. Michigan Farm Bureau said more farm equipment will be on rural roads in the coming weeks and advises drivers that a car traveling 55 mph needs 300 feet to stop behind equipment moving at 15 mph.

Read the full story at wilx.com.