SAFER Contest Overview

Statistics are one thing, but when you consider the countless unreported close calls, and the dangers of transporting slow-moving and large farm equipment on roadways, those numbers become even more alarming. Areas of growing concern include:

• Distracted driving
• Larger farm equipment due to farmers needing to farm more acres
• Farm equipment traveling longer distances due to the need to farm more acres
• More housing developments mixed in with farmland
• The growing disconnect between farmers and other drivers who don’t understand farm equipment

Objective:

To raise awareness about the presence of farm equipment on roadways and promote safety measures to prevent accidents.

Target Audience:

Drivers on roadways who encounter farm equipment and machinery.

Duration:

The contest runs from March 1 through Oct. 31, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in December.

Contest Categories & Prizes

Category 1: Best Campaign Using Display*

An effective campaign that educates drivers about the presence and safety of farm equipment on roadways using a display simulating the space needed by large farm equipment.

Prizes: 1st place—$4,000; 2nd place—$2,000; 3rd place—$1,000

Category 2: Best Campaign without a Display*

An effective campaign that educates drivers in rural areas about the presence and safety of farm equipment on roadways but does not use a display.

Prizes: 1st place—$2,000; 2nd place—$1,000; 3rd place—$500

Category 3: Best Media Campaign**

Most effective use of media channels and platforms to educate drivers about the presence and safety of farm equipment on roadways.

Prizes: 1st place—$2,000; 2nd place—$1,000; 3rd place—$500

*Entries will be placed in either Category 1 or 2 based on inclusion of a large display.
**All entries will be eligible for Category 3.

Suggested Campaign Components

Educating the Public

• Slow-moving vehicle signs
• Lead escort vehicles
• Travel speeds
• Blind spots
• Travel distances

Community Awareness

• Times of year to expect more farm equipment
• Types of farm equipment on roadways
• “Who’s driving the tractor?”

  ◦ Your neighbor?
  ◦ A father, son or brother?
  ◦ A mother, daughter or sister?
  ◦ A farmer who feeds us all?

Farmer Education

• Proper use of SMV signs and caution lights
• Experience and training of operators
• Seat belts and rollover protective structures (ROPS)
• Lead escort vehicle
• Knowledge of route, shoulder condition, overhangs, blind curves or hills
• Proper size and horsepower needed for the farm implement that is being towed

Capture and Share Stories

• Testimonial of a close call
• Those affected by a tragic accident
• Quotes, graphics and/or videos
• High school program

Display Ideas

• View examples of past displays
• Attention-grabbing displays to increase awareness
• Large equipment that uses more than one lane
• Examples of slow-moving equipment
• Examples of lack of visibility (hauling a full hay wagon, transporting a grain cart, etc.)
• Damaged vehicle as the result of an accident with farm equipment

Suggested Display Locations

• High-traffic highway or busy, well-attended event in the community
• High schools or county fairs
• Farm Bureau offices
• Get the attention of young drivers

Media Campaign Ideas

• Use of the SAFER Logo is strongly encouraged
• Targeted distribution through social media channels
• Print, digital, television and/or radio coverage
• T-shirt or other types of promotional apparel
• Banners, signage, flyers and/or stickers

Potential Partners

• County Farm Bureaus
• High schools
• FFA chapters
• 4-H clubs
• Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Agriculture businesses—equipment, feeds, seeds, supply, lending, etc.
• Fire, police, 911 operations, drivers’ education
• Any local sponsor opportunities