News Release

Hayrides: Remember the 3 "H's"

Also see: PSA

With the fall harvest season upon us, and Halloween just around the corner, the popularity of hayrides as a fundraiser or social event is increasing. However, reports of accidents involving hayrides have been on the increase over the past several years. These events need to be well organized and carefully monitored, so that a fun outdoor activity doesn't turn into a tragedy.

To approach the planning and coordination of a hayride, consider the 3 H's: H itching, Highways and Horseplay.

• Hitching includes the wagon, the tractor or truck that is pulling the wagon, and the safeguards used to ensure that the wagon is properly attached. Never attach more than one wagon behind the pulling vehicle. Extra wagons make the "snaking" action of the caravan more severe and may result in sideswiping or overturning of the trailing wagons. A truck or tractor should never pull a wagon so fast that it sways out of a straight line
     "Proper hitching also includes using a well-designed hitch pin with a clip or lock between the wagon and the pulling vehicle; and installing safety chains to ensure that the wagon does not disconnect while in motion," according to Professor Dennis J. Murphy, agricultural safety specialist at the Pennsylvania State University.
• Highway considerations include the careful planning of the hayride route. Highways with excessive vehicular traffic moving at high rates of speed should be avoided at all costs. Hayride organizers should consult with local law enforcement agencies to seek their advice on which roads to use. These agencies may also be willing to provide security and safety during the hayride. To further reduce the highway hayride hazard, have escort vehicles traveling in front and in back of the hayride with their emergency lights activated. Of course, your hayride could stay off highways altogether!
• Horseplay on a hayride should not be tolerated and may become an unwanted distraction to the driver. Adult supervision is a must! Hayride participants can easily fall from a wagon or truck and be run over by the vehicle’s wheels causing traumatic injuries. All riders should be sitting down while the wagon or truck is moving. Be sure these rules are clearly stated to all participants before the ride begins.

Additional information on agricultural safety and health is available from the National Safety Council by contacting Dr. Sam Steel at (800) 621-7615, ext. 2023, or by e-mail at steels@nsc.org.

PSA (30-SECONDS)

WITH THE FALL HARVEST SEASON QUICKLY FALLING UPON US -- AND HALLOWEEN JUST AROUND THE CORNER -- THE POPULARITY OF HAYRIDES IS INCREASING. THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL ADVISES US TO REMEMBER THE THREE "H'S" OF HAYRIDES: HITCHING, HIGHWAYS, AND HORSEPLAY.

HITCHING A WAGON TO A MOTORIZED VEHICLE MUST BE UNDERTAKEN PROPERLY: KNOW HOW TO DO IT.

HIGHWAYS SHOULD BE AVOIDED. PLAN A SAFE ROUTE AHEAD OF TIME, AND INVOLVE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IF NEEDED.

HORSEPLAY ON A HAYRIDE INVITES DISASTER: ADULT SUPERVISION AND CLEARLY STATED RULES ON BEHAVIOR ARE A MUST.

Contact your local Nation Safety Council Chapter for more information, or visit our website.