2005 Year in Review

Tractor Rollovers Are Leading Cause of Farm-Related Deaths

Did you know that the leading cause of farm-related deaths in Illinois is tractor rollover accidents? One out of every five deaths on the farm occurs when a tractor rolls over on top of the operator. On average, nine deaths a year on Illinois farms are contributed to tractor overturns. The tragic thing about tractor rollover deaths is that most could be prevented.

Tractor rollovers occur everywhere, not just in hilly areas. They occur while driving on rough terrain like a ditch or embankment, when running over an object, when turning a tractor on level ground too sharply and at too high of a speed, when front-end loaders are not kept low except when necessary to dump the load, and while performing many other everyday tasks. The most common activity that is involved with tractor overturn deaths in Illinois is mowing ditches with a tractor that doesn’t have a rollover protective structure (ROPS). Farmers and their families can, however, take action to protect themselves from tragedies. Not performing such activities is always best. But if a farmer is faced with a rollover situation, a ROPS and seatbelt can almost eliminate the risk of being killed from a tractor overturn accident.

Protect yourself and the ones you love by following these safety guidelines:
- Retrofit older tractors that are still being used around the farm with a ROPS if the tractor does not have one.
- Use safe driving techniques such as avoiding sharp turns and reducing speed when turning.
- NEVER allow passengers to ride on the tractor.
- Always wear a seatbelt when operating a tractor equipped with a ROPS.
- Be sure that the protective equipment is in good operating condition and that the driver is familiar with the terrain.
- Avoid driving on steep embankments, near ditches, and around holes. These areas are prone to rollovers. The ground can give way; the tractor will lose support and roll over.
- When conditions require operation on steep slopes, always head down slopes and travel backwards up slopes. This will place the tractor in a more stable position and reduce rollover risks.
- Only mow ditches with tractors that have a ROPS.

It’s worth a thought every day: How are you staying safe on your tractor?

by  Editor, theCity1.com
April 28, 2005