Road Safety During Grape Harvest

PORTLAND, NEW YORK (September 13, 2024) – September is Farm Safety Awareness Month as well as the beginning of grape harvest in the area. The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program wants to remind you to be extra cautious during this time so that everyone can make it to their destination safely.

Grape harvest season is upon us, and it is critical that everyone is aware of and takes caution to tractors, semi-trucks, and harvesters on the roads. During the next 2 months there will be an uptick in farm activity as grape growers harvest their crops and deliver them to market. Residents should expect delays, slow moving tractors, and more activity on local roads. All drivers on the road need to be alert and pay attention!

All farm machinery that travel less than 40 miles per hour must have a Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem displayed on the back. This can be identified as a bright orange triangle. These vehicles are not required to move over or ride on the side of the road.

What are motorists’ responsibilities when they encounter a slow-moving vehicle?

Slow down immediately when you see a vehicle or equipment with a SMV emblem in the road

Increase following distance to create a safety cushion

Be alert and watch for turns into fields

Drive courteously

Pass with care only when it is safe and legal to do so

Remember SMV operators may have poor visibility due to loads and equipment in tow

Be aware that equipment in tow may sway on the road

For more up to date information on slow-moving vehicles and proper responses when encountering them you can visit the following websites: https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2019/07/SharingTheRoadWithSlowMovingVehiclesBrochure_June2019.pdf or https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/resources?f%5B0%5D=filter_term%3A181

Let’s be safe on the roads this harvest season, slow down, roll down the windows to smell the sweet scent of ripe grapes, and make it safely to our destination.

The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated September 13, 2024