Harvest Safety on the Road - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

As more and more trucks head from the fields to the piling stations to drop off their produce authorities are reminding folks to belt up, and drive carefully.

Valley News Live talked with authorities today and they have some last minute safety reminders for you.

The car wreck in Moorhead was just a reminder of how dangerous the roads can get this time of year. Sgt. Duane Amundson of the Red River Weigh Station explains, "everybody is in a hurry to get the harvest season done. But just remind everybody that you got to give the trucks a little space and the truck drivers or farmers should use caution when they're on the road."

Trucks can't stop on a dime, especially when they're filled with mother natures goods. That's why authorities are making sure farmers aren't overloading. More than 10 percent of your allowed weight could equal a 115 dollar ticket. Not to mention, make your rig a safety hazard."If they stay on a lighter weight, things are going to be safer. The truck is designed for a certain amount of weight and the heavier you got the more you push that issue," says Sgt. Amundson.

But Sgt. Amundson says the roads are safer than they've been in awhile. "The number that are on the road and the number of accidents... The accident rate is as low as it's been in history. We're talking rates as low as they were back in the 40's and 50's."

But even with the roads being safer nowadays it's that time of the year, it's harvest season. That means more big rigs are out on the roads and when you compare your vehicle to theirs you should take extra caution.

"Well you're talking a truck that weighs 40 tons and a car that maybe weighs a ton and a half. So the odds are in the trucks favor, so that's why I say you need to give the trucks some room." Explains Sgt. Amundson.

So take your time out there, slow down, the harvest will be over soon. Before you know it we'll be worrying about how to drive in the snow.

Authorities say many of these car wrecks during the harvest happen at intersections. So don't jump the gun! Make sure it is indeed your turn before you go.