Throughout the year, safety on the roads is a big thing, but summer can bring some different challenges for agricultural areas.

Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright reminds residents that even though deer may be seen more during the planting and harvest seasons, they are still present throughout the year, and to watch out for them. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that another safety concern for drivers is having their view blocked by plants, vegetation and crops as things grow.

“As we get into July, the corn will start growing and the intersections will start being blocked for views by the tall corn. So even if there’s not a stop sign or yield sign, you need to be prepared and go through those intersections slowly. That’s a big thing in Iowa, big thing in Guthrie County, because we grow a lot of corn, and it hinders your view.”

Arganbright mentions that recently the sheriff’s office responded to an accident involving a bicyclist. He advises drivers to be aware that bicyclists are out on the Raccoon River Valley Trail this time of year, and to be prepared in case they might see one crossing the road while on the trail. Arganbright also reminds bicyclists that for safety reasons, they should always stop anytime the trail crosses a road and check for vehicles since those traveling the road don’t have to stop at those crossings and have the right of way.