The State Fair of Virginia gets underway today and runs through October 7. In addition to the rides, games, and food, there are extensive displays that help all Virginians understand farming and its important role in the Commonwealth. There are safety demonstrations as well.

 

A new state-of-the art driving simulator may be the first step toward new understanding of when children can safely operate farm equipment. Researchers are using the simulator in a first-of-its-kind study to evaluate how children make decisions while driving tractors.

 

During the study, 88 farm children with tractor experience will take a John Deere tractor on a virtual spin through a life-like movie simulation. Tasks will include mowing fields, navigating fields, maneuvering around buildings, and driving along gravel roads with traffic. During the drive, all of the children’s actions will be recorded, as well as their speeds, use of brakes, and acceleration.

 

For kids who work in agriculture, the leading cause of death and a top cause of injury is operating farm equipment—including tractors. The study, funded by the National Institute for Occupation and Safety Health, could be a springboard for future larger studies, with the aim to prevent accidents and evaluate current guidelines for children and farm equipment operation.