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I was finishing up my harvest article for last week's issue in the Chronicle when the scanner went off. The details were unfolding about the two-vehicle accident near County Road O and Tibbits Road.
When I heard about the location of the accident, my heart sank. I know people that live near there, and I don't think I've ever prayed so hard in my entire life. As I heard the events over the scanner, starting from the initial accident to the call requesting Med Flight, I was wishing and hoping that it wasn't someone I knew. Although it ended up not being people I knew, the outcome of the accident is still very tragic.
After the details came out describing the accident, I couldn't help but appreciate the irony of the accident with the harvest piece I was working on. When they gave the details about the semi-grain truck and the pick-up truck, I caught myself jumping to the conclusion that someone was going too fast once again during harvest. But looking back, I can't exactly assume what happened since I wasn't on the scene, and I am constantly reminding myself of that.
On the other hand, I have heard of many harvest accidents involving someone either going too fast or not giving sufficient room for the farm equipment that frequently travel public roads during harvest. Point being, in times of tragedy, such as this incident, it does not come down to finger pointing or placing blame. This was a tragic accident involving people who were/are living their daily lives.
I've lived out in the country my entire life, and I know too well how fast cars can drive on the county roads - especially during harvest. If I had a dollar for every time I've seen a tractor, combine or other type of farm equipment that has travelled on the road I grew up on, I would be set for life.
Since this accident, I have been replaying the many conversations from my parents begging me to slow down and allowing myself extra time for my morning commute to work.
A someone who has grown up with agriculture all around, I should know better. I will admit, I have been sometimes guilty of going too fast, but after this accident, I will be thinking twice before speeding up.
Farmers work hard all year to put food on our tables. So please, during the remainder of this harvest season - and all year - slow down, buckle up, get off your phones and give yourself some extra time for your morning commute. Remembering tips like these can help to prevent another tragedy like this happening in the future.