We worry about traffic with the heads off.  We have to move on 4 lane US highways and traffic can be almost bumper to bumper at times (and moving 70 mph).  It is to the point that we try to stay off the road during "work hour traffic".

Yes, image is important.  Farmers are very much in the minority now.  A few bad apples make it much more difficult for the rest of us.  If we cause some child to be killed in an accident with a 30' combine header, public opinion will not be in our favor.  If it happens many times, laws will change and we will not like the out come.  It pays to be proactive and that means trying to be safe.  Moving a 30' head on the machine in Kansas of SD may not be a big deal, but in many places it is just plain stupid.

These comments are not aimed at any of the above post in particular.