Learn About Tractor Rollover Protection At The Missouri State Fair

LINDA GEIST

SEDALIA, MISSOURI

   Fairgoers can learn how to prevent one of the leading causes of farm deaths and disabilities – tractor rollovers.

   University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Agriculture will showcase tractor rollover protection at the State Fair, which runs through Aug. 21.

   Fairgoers can see interactive demonstrations and videos on rollover accidents and hear from MU and MDA Show-Me-Farm Safety representatives in the Agriculture Building on the state fairgrounds in Sedalia, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist.

   Tractors, particularly older models, have a high center of gravity that makes them unstable, says Funkenbusch. A tractor without a rollover protection (ROP) device can expel or crush the driver while rolling. Tractor rollovers are fatal as much as 40 percent of the time, she says.

   Funkenbusch welcomes fairgoers to stop by the Agriculture Building to participate in educational and fun activities. For more information, go to mostatefair.com/locations/agriculture-building. ∆

   LINDA GEIST: University of Missouri