“It is personal because my dad actually did get hit by a driver that was coming at him head-on,” Illinois farmer shares tractor accident during Farm Safety Week

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO) — As part of National Farm Safety and Health Week, one local farmer spoke out after her family experienced a road-collision accident.

“It is personal because my dad actually did get hit by a driver that was coming at him head-on,” said farmer Holly Wiltfang. 

Her dad, John Wakeley, was driving a tractor-pulling chopper when he was hit. After the collision, the tire tractor came off.

“He had to go off the shoulder, and it’s a kind of a drop right there. And that equipment isn’t meant for that type of movement,” explained Wiltfang.

Both her dad and the driver were okay, but National Farm Safety and Health Week meant more to them this year.

“These are the people growing our food for us, for the animals also that we see out on the country. I’m passionate about it because that’s my family out there. It’s our neighbors out there that we grew up with, we care about everybody, and we want everybody to go home safe at night,” shared Wiltfang.

It’s not always a road concern that farmers face. Winnebago Boone Farm Bureau Ann Marie Cain said this week is a good reminder for farmers to take the time to care for and protect themselves.

“We’ve had farmers that have lost limbs in farm equipment accidents,” said Cain.

Chief Deputy of Boone County Pat Molloy said they get one to two accidents a year involving farm machinery. He said it’s important to be aware that the whole Northern Illinois area is a farm community. 

“There are spots with bigger towns and more populated, but every county has got some farm areas in it. You got to pay their respects, they’ve been here before us and they’ll be here after us,” said Molloy.

Experts said that if you’re behind any farm machinery, slow down, take your time, and ensure you have a clear vision before passing.