After deadly crash, Gage County officials urge caution on roads during harvest

FIRTH, Neb. (KLKN) — After a deadly crash involving a combine and a train near Firth, officials said it is crucial to prioritize the safety of both farmers and motorists now that we are in the peak of harvest season.

Gage County Sheriff Millard Gustafson said many intersections in the county do not have lights or crossing arms at train tracks, just signs.

He said since farm equipment is slower than an average car and trains go fast, farmers need to be patient when crossing.

“The speed is pretty decent on it, and they’re sometimes loaded,” he said. “They don’t stop just on a dime.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska State Patrol identifies combine driver killed in crash with train near Firth

Deputies also said that during harvest season, we should all pay attention to farm vehicles. 

Tractors, combines and other agricultural vehicles can catch drivers off guard. 

“You can’t be in that big of a hurry; just take your time to get a good opportunity to pass,” Gustafson said.

Deputies said it is important to always stop at intersections, as visibility can be limited on rural roads. 

“On the intersections in the rural parts of Nebraska, the corn can grow up to be so high that your visibility is obstructed, and you can’t rely on seeing that cloud of dust coming,” Investigator Tim Hanson said.