Harvest has arrived in the southwest, bringing with it an abundance of produce for the province and the heightened presence of machinery on the roads. 

In a recent release from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), they are advising all drivers to be mindful of farm equipment on grid roads and highways this season. 

Heather Hubic, the manager of auto front communications with the insurance company, said the main tip they recommend to folks that will keep everyone safe, is to only pass farm equipment when they’re sure it’s safe to do so. 

“The person who's driving or towing that farm equipment is likely just moving a short distance from one field to another,” she added. “Just be patient as they get to their destination.” 

The machines are often deceptively long and wide, taking up a lot of space on highways, and sometimes the safest option is to slow down, take in the scenery, and wait it out.  

Each year there is a small number of collisions between motor vehicles and farm equipment, which is significantly more likely to result in an injury. 

Over the past five years, about 86 incidents involving farm equipment on Saskatchewan roads have resulted in approximately 41 injuries and seven deaths.  

“Every death is one too many on our roadways,” Hubic expressed. “We want to see those numbers remain low, and we don't want to see anyone get hurt on the roadways.” 

It’s important for drivers to remember that farm machinery is slow moving and they’ll come up quickly when being approached at highway speeds. 

Hubic reminds people that some machinery doesn't have turn signals, so being aware and anticipating the farmer’s next move is vital to everyone’s safety.  

She had four big things for drivers to do that can prevent injuries on the road: drive sober, obey the speed limits, buckle up, and just drive. 

“We love the work that our farmers do in our province and they are such an important part of our economy and who we are as Saskatchewan people,” Hubic added. “We just really need to help them get the job done.”