Sheriff offers tips for safe summer driving on rural roads

As corn grows and dry conditions produce dust, law enforcement officials are encouraging motorists to use added caution while navigating rural roads this summer.

Franklin County Sheriff Aaron Dodd said one of the most important steps to avoid accidents on gravel roads this time of year is to exercise patience and awareness at intersections, as most rural intersections are unmarked by a stop or yield sign.

“If you can’t see to your left or right, treat it as a yield sign,” he said. “Come to a slow crawl or a stop. There’s no requirement to stop but it’s your own neck you’re sticking out there.”

Dodd said some drivers operate under the mindset of looking for a cloud of dust to tell if a motorist is approaching. He said that’s not a fail-safe method, as cars can be hidden in dust clouds.

“You almost just have to come to a complete stop at those unmarked intersections,” he reiterated.

Aside from crops and dust obstructing views, Dodd said it’s also important to remember that fieldwork from now until after harvest lead to an increased amount of traffic and large machinery on gravel roads. He said, again, patience is key and to yield when approaching a large vehicle.

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