Another school year is right around the corner for the kids in our community. Summers with my kids always go so fast given all of their activities as well as farm responsibilities. 

This summer has been a flurry of movement given that we haven't seen rain since June. No rain means irrigation duties have been nonstop all summer. 

Rain days in the summer generally translate to opportunities to turn off the irrigation for a day or two. If it’s off, we have the ability to slow down and rest for a few days. Sometimes following a good summer rain, we can turn off the irrigation for multiple days allowing us to sneak off the farm for a quick getaway knowing the crops will be fine.

A quick getaway did not happen for our family this summer. And while it’s been a consistently hot and dry, nonstop-irrigation-kind-of-summer, the crops have continued to grow.

We’re at the point now where the corn is tall and intersections on country roads require more awareness because there are major blind spots created by the corners of corn.

In my area, many of our dirt road intersections have yield signs instead of stop signs. But during this time of the year, those intersections with corn on the corners need to be approached with extreme caution. 

As I come upon one of these blind intersections with my kids in the car, it has become I habit that I will say out loud how dangerous this part of the road is, and then I slow down or stop before proceeding forward. It is my hope that my voice and actions are teaching my kids the way I hope they approach these intersections in the future.

With the return of another school year, many more of our youth and neighbors will collectively be travelling on the country roads. Whether it’s commuting to or from school and activities on a school bus or their private vehicle, there’s about to be an increase in traffic again. 

As we approach the crossroads of summer break and the beginning of another school year, it is my hope and prayer that drivers be aware of the blind intersections on our country roads and approach them with extreme caution. Regardless of the signage that is or isn't present, slowing down and even stopping at these intersections needs to be practiced right now to ensure everyone gets safely to their destinations.

As we rush to prepare for the start of a new school year, let us all remember to slow down, be observant and recognize the intersection — both on the roads and in our lives.