State Police Encourage Fall Harvest Road Safety

Illinois State Police are urging drivers to use extra caution as fall harvest puts more farm equipment on rural roads. Troopers say motorists should slow down, avoid distractions, and wait for a safe place to pass. Large tractors and combines often move at much lower speeds and may make wide turns into fields or driveways. According to Illinois Department of Transportation data, 275 crashes involving farm tractors or equipment were reported in 2024. Police are also asking farmers to help reduce risks by avoiding rush hours, busier highways, and low-visibility conditions when possible. The message: patience can prevent crashes.