CAMBRIDGE, Ill. — If asked to describe Illinois' landscape, most people would probably say farmland. But Henry County is making sure new drivers navigate through this farmland, especially going into harvest season.
The Henry County Farm Bureau hosted the "Share the Road" program at the fairgrounds in Cambridge, consisting of multiple stations for driver's education students to learn how to drive with farm equipment joining them in the road.
Henry County Farm Bureau Manager Katie Laleman said this is the third year the program has been at the Henry County Fairgrounds.
"Whether they're driving down the highway, maybe they're following a combine or a semi and learning how, those vehicles can't stop as quickly as maybe our cars can, that they're hauling a lot of weight or they're pulling a lot of equipment," Laleman said.
Laleman said students learned how to safely maneuver around these farm vehicles when the harvest reaches its peak season. She also said these sessions couldn't be at a better time.
"But going into harvest, this is a great time for us to help to teach these young students when it comes to safe, passing, safe following distances and what to be prepared for us there on our roads and especially on a rural roads," Laleman said.
The program brought in over 120 students from Orion, Alwood, Wethersfield, Cambridge, and Annawan high schools. They were able to talk with farmer and law enforcement about crucial safety tips they should practice upon receiving their licenses.
The Illinois State Police were also at the program, where they brought a seat belt convincer that simulates a crash at around 5-7 mph.
Students were also able to use a driving simulator, which allowed them better understand what it is like to drive heavy farming vehicles.
Alwood High School Freshman Chase Verheecke gave the simulation a try and said the program gives them a better understanding of how farms operate.
"I think it very important that people know what the farmers are doing and what they can see and that you need to be aware of what they're doing and what you need to do," Verheecke said.
Orion High School Freshman Zachary Clarke said he's glad his fellow classmates are able to learn this tips in practical environment, rather than in the classroom.
"It's feel nice because I know others are learning responsibilities too," Clarke said. "But not just like me but my friends are, so I can make sure they're safe on the road."