The broken guard rail that the tractor jumped on Sunday, Nov 7 to avoid an accident. (Submitted photo)
Cynthia Haggitt
Harvest Season is in full swing and speeding—exceeding a speed limit or driving too fast for conditions—is one of the most common factors for an increase of accidents every year during harvest season because drivers are not being patient enough.
On Sunday, Nov. 7, Roger DeVerger was involved in a farm equipment accident due to a motorist’s speeding on Ill route 16 and Shallow Hollow Road otherwise known as deadman’s curve.
“I was coming down the road and this van was coming down the hill and speeding way over the speed limit. When I saw what was happening, there were cars coming towards me and to avoid an accident I jumped the guard rail in the middle of the bridge,” DeVerger said. “ It caused the tractor to fall and did some damage to the equipment.”
DeVerger said he didn’t get hurt much which was a blessing according to him.
“My shoulder was sore but I am okay,” he said. “People need to slow down as farmers are still harvesting and finishing up in the fields. There is no need to speed on the country roads. It creates a lot of problems and sometimes people don’t notice or don’t even pay attention to realize that a farmer is coming down the road. With the harvesting season here, it means larger and wider equipment on the road.”
DeVerger asked motorists to remember to be patient. He said farmers are usually going to go from one field to the next.
“I have operated farm equipment all my life and this is the first time I have had an accident. I am just glad no one was killed or hurt.”
