RURAL RETREAT—A Wythe County high school student has transformed a community tragedy into a rallying cry for awareness.
Olivia Crigger was first inspired to help save lives when a local farmer was fatally struck by another vehicle while driving his tractor in September 2022.
“This tragedy made me realize how quickly something preventable can take a life,” Crigger reflected. “It inspired me to take action and become a voice for safer rural roads.”
What began as a community service project for her Girl Scout Gold Award blossomed into a long-term safety campaign through the Virginia Farm Bureau SAFER contest. Crigger was among 16 diverse organizations and individuals to participate in the contest last year.
“The SAFER contest was created to raise awareness about the presence of farm equipment on our roads and ultimately change behaviors to keep both farmers and drivers safe,” explained Matt Nuckols, VFB safety coordinator. “It’s about giving communities the tools and encouragement to take that message locally and make a real impact.”
Crigger knows firsthand how dangerous it can be to drive slow-moving farm equipment on roadways. She often escorts friends and family during spring planting and fall harvest seasons, using her vehicle’s hazard lights to warn approaching drivers to slow down.
A car traveling 55 mph takes 5 seconds to brake 300 feet—the length of a football field—to avoid colliding with farm equipment moving up to 20 mph.
“But many people will just keep going 55 miles per hour,” Crigger lamented. “My family, friends and I have experienced many close calls and near-misses.”
Using the slogan, “One close call is one too many,” Crigger developed posters, flyers, graphics and videos to display at local businesses, community events and on social media—educating a wide range of audiences about safe driving practices, tractor hand signals and the challenges of operating large farm machinery.
She solidified her message with a real tractor display at Rural Retreat Heritage Day, where she petitioned for tractor warning signs along local roads—sparking vigorous community support and approval from the Virginia Department of Transportation.
“Olivia provided VDOT locations where she felt that farm equipment signs were needed for the safety of farmers in our region. Our staff evaluated the locations and determined the need for 14 signs on six routes, and all 14 signs have been installed,” said VDOT Wytheville Residency Administrator James Schwartz. “Our team was impressed with Olivia’s initiative, and we were happy to work with her in her effort to improve safety for farmers.”
Nuckols said that the newly installed safety signs “can have a lasting impact by raising awareness in the moment, and pairing them with Olivia’s story—a young leader who chose to make a difference—is the kind of connection people remember.”
Farm Bureau supported Crigger with guidance on campaign ideas, branding and messaging; printed educational materials for distribution; and connected her with local partners and resources.
“Efforts like Olivia’s are exactly what the SAFER contest was designed to inspire: Local leaders identifying a need, engaging their community and taking action,” Nuckols added. “That kind of grassroots impact is what ultimately strengthens safety across Virginia.”
Crigger gave a presentation on farm equipment roadway safety at the Virginia 4-H State Congress last month, where she received a blue ribbon and overall win in the public speaking category.
She looks forward to amplifying her message through additional outreach opportunities and partnerships.
Media: Contact Nuckols at 804-938-2043.
