Exploratory Analysis of Farm Vehicle and Farm Labor Transportation-Related Crashes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics associated with farm vehicle and farm labor transportation-related roadway crashes in the state of Florida. Agricultural roadway crashes related to these vehicles have not been explored in Florida. Methods The data for this study comes from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for the years 2013–2021. The data is recorded by the Florida Highway Patrol when a vehicular crash has occurred. The data is then coded to allow the selection of farm and agricultural-related vehicles. Specifically, this study focuses on farm labor transport vehicles and farm vehicles (e.g. farm tractors). Results There were 744 farm vehicle- and 209 farm labor transportation-related crashes during the 9-year study period. The farm labor transport vehicle crashes involved a total of 420 vehicles and 1,329 individuals, and the farm vehicle crashes involved 1,458 vehicles and 1,652 individuals. Injury risk for non-farm labor transportation vehicle occupants was significantly higher than injury risk for farm labor transportation vehicle occupants. Conclusions The average fatality rate for farm vehicle-involved (2.1 fatalities per 100 crashes) and farm labor transportation vehicle-involved crashes (2.9 fatalities per 100 crashes) were much higher than the overall FL roadway crash fatality rate (0.45 fatalities per 100 crashes).