MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) - With fall harvest underway, Georgia officials are reminding drivers to buckle up, slow down and watch for farm equipment on rural roads.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Georgia Department of Agriculture shared the message Wednesday during their annual “Yield Behind the Wheel” safety campaign at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie.

The panel included Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole, Georgia Peanut Commission Executive Director Taylor Arnold and Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.

According to federal crash data, more than 35% of fatal vehicle crashes in Georgia from 2020 to 2024 happened in rural areas. Preliminary state data also shows 15 people died in crashes involving farm vehicles between 2021 and 2025.

“Taking a few seconds to click a seat belt before every trip can lead to a lifetime of memories with family and friends,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper encouraged drivers to remain alert as farmers move equipment and transport crops during harvest season.

“Following the rules of the road will help us reduce traffic crashes and help ensure you arrive alive,” Harper said.

The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Billy Hancock, who also highlighted two tractor-involved crashes in the county over the past six months that resulted in injuries. Officials urge drivers to be patient, aware and alert when sharing the road with farm equipment.

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Officials urge motorists to obey posted speed limits, watch the road, slow down when approaching farm equipment and leave plenty of room when passing. Farmers are also reminded to equip their vehicles and wagons with legally required orange, triangle-shaped slow-moving vehicle signs.

For more information, visit the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety or Georgia Grown.

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