Farm Safety Week

MIDDLETON--Farm Equipment on county roads, It's the first sign of spring, and farmers are starting to move tractors, preparing fields for planting.

"Agriculture is our number one industry and we have to be able to get out and about and move from one field to another, in order to take care of our operations," said Canyon County Farmer Sid Freeman.

Freeman has witnessed many farm-car accidents through the years and it spurred him to action.

"I actually witnessed the devastation of a collision right here, " said Freeman.

Freeman and the Canyon County Farm Bureau started an AG Safety PSA campaign.

"I talked the board into rejuvenating an old PSA program that we had done previously that we had done back in the early 90's late 80's, so we brought those back again and they're running to this day. And we expanded that to include our bordering counties, they also help us buy air time whether it be TV or radio," said Freeman.

After those PSA's did you see a difference in accident rates? "Yes, we have!" said Freeman."I really believe that we are having an impact from the PSA's."

Freeman says overwhelmingly that speed and driving too close are the cause of most county road accidents.

"You've got to be patient. Most farmers and their employees will try to pull over, at a safe location and let traffic go by. Sometimes the farmers cannot see what's behind them, especially if they're driving a Combine," said Freeman.

As the 21 season gets underway, The PSA’s Patience and reducing speed will save lives on county roads this year.