Northwest Iowa — For drivers traveling the gravel roads that cross farm country in our area, the crops go by in a blur of green. However, these annual crops bring an often‐ignored danger: Many intersections are sheltered by the towering corn, making it nearly impossible to see another motorist until just before an accident happens, with potentially deadly results.Each year, the risk climbs with the growing corn, beginning around mid‐July, when the plants can top eight feet and lasts until harvest in early October. Sparse traffic and the lack of stop signs can contribute to the dangers. Major Jamie Van Voorst of the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says it’s especially important to not be driving distracted this time of year.
Van Voorst says the corn that farmers are planting these days becomes almost a solid green fence once it comes up.
Too many drivers seem to think that if they don’t see a dust trail being kicked up by another vehicle, they don’t need to worry about slowing down at the intersection. Major Van Voorst says that’s a very dangerous practice.
He says you should EXPECT another vehicle to be there when you reach an intersection, and drive accordingly.
Van Voorst says although you may have the legal right-of-way, there is such a thing as being “dead right.”
