High-risk mix
DEKRA warns that harvesters can be expected to increase the risks on rural roads in late summer and fall. “At harvest time, a large number of slow and often overwide harvesters share the roads with faster cars and trucks. This is a high-risk mix on roads that already harbor the greatest risk of accidents,” explains Stefanie Ritter, an accident researcher at DEKRA.
A defensive and proactive driving style is required, particularly on stretches of road with poor visibility – whether driving a car, truck, or delivery van, or riding a motorbike. Crests and curves in the road can make it impossible to see a slow-moving tractor with fully laden trailer or an overwide combine harvester. In such situations, there is often very little time for an emergency stop.
Accidents frequently occur when a tractor wants to turn onto a field track and collides with a car or motorbike that is just starting to overtake. In such cases, concealed or dirty turn signals may also play a role,
explains Ritter. Another dangerous situation is when a heavy harvester exits a field onto a rural road. It can be a close call if a vehicle is approaching at speed.
Crash tests by DEKRA Accident Research show that a motorcyclist can suffer severe, if not fatal, injuries in a lateral collision with a combine harvester tire at a speed of 60 km/h. In a frontal collision between a car traveling at 67 km/h and the solid structure of a harvester, rigid components penetrate the passenger compartment. Passive safety devices such as airbags and seat belts are virtually useless in such a situation.
“During the harvest season, it is necessary to take particular care when driving in rural areas,” says Ritter. On roads with poor visibility that do not allow an adequate lateral safety distance, drivers should refrain from overtaking even slow-moving harvesters. Harvester operators must ensure that their vehicles display all mandatory signage. Lighting components such as turn signals or tail lights must not be concealed or dirty. An escort vehicle must accompany any heavy load more than 3.50 meters wide.