With the passing of summer come the colors of fall &045; in the leaves on the trees and the the crops in the fields.

As fall harvest season kicks in, we remind farmers to practice safety on the farm and in the field, and motorists to stay alert for farmers.

Truck traffic &045; going to market, grain elevators and processing plants &045; increases significantly during the harvest season, both in terms of volume and the number of drivers each day they are on the road.

We urge motorists to watch for tractors pulling wagons at slow speeds, combines and other equipment that may encroach on the center line, and farmers working during the hours of darkness to complete their harvests.

Also, watch for mud and other debris dropped by trucks, use safety belts, drive with your headlights on and observe posted speed limits and traffic signs.

As for farmers and farm workers, we urge them to take breaks to stay

alert. Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations, and the fact that the farm combines a family home with an industrial work site underscores an increased threat to children and seniors.

This makes the need for first aid training exceptionally important for everyone involved with farming. In rural areas there tends to be a longer wait for professional medical help to arrive. While not every farm hazard can be removed from the farm, the risks can be controlled. Prevention is the key to maintaining farm safety and good family health.

Have a list of emergency telephone numbers beside every telephone and place first aid kits in strategic locations in your kouse and on your farm. This will save invaluable time during an emergency.

Please practice safety on the farm and on the road this harvest season.