Horse-Drawn Buggy Dangers
In certain parts of Ohio, you’re as likely to see a horse-drawn buggy on the road as you are a car. The Amish and other Anabaptists live right here in Northeast Ohio, and they cling to the old ways of life, which involve riding their horse-drawn buggies on streets they share with the modern world. While many driving schools teach students to use caution when they come across the Amish, accidents still happen, particularly when the drivers are new to the area or are not paying attention. Sadly, accidents with horse-drawn buggies yield greater deadly consequences.
A Recent Accident in Geauga County
Although most people tend to think of Amish country as being south of Canton, the truth is that many sects live much closer to Cleveland. They are in Ashland County, and even Geauga County, where a recent accident occurred. Back in May 2019, Brandon Lee, a 26-year-old man on a motorcycle, slammed into the back of a horse-drawn buggy. The driver of the buggy, Daniel Miller, also 26, was injured in the crash. He had three passengers in the buggy with him, including two children. Everyone was hurt, one of the kids very seriously. The driver of the motorcycle was killed instantly.
Pay Attention to Horse-Drawn Buggies
In order for horse-drawn buggies to be on the road legally, they must have an orange safety indicator, as well as red reflectors. Since the Amish do not use electricity, they cannot have headlights or taillights on the buggies. This makes them very difficult to see at night or during hazardous weather conditions, and especially when drivers aren’t paying attention. However, knowing that you’re in Amish country, as well as watching your surroundings, makes it much less likely that you’ll get into an accident with a horse-drawn carriage.
Drivers are legally allowed to safely pass horse-drawn buggies. Caution must be used, particularly when driving at night because you never know who is coming in the other direction. You may try to pass one of these carriages only to end up running into another one, going in the opposite direction. Remember that the Amish have just as much of a right to be on the road as you do, even if they are going much slower. Treating them with respect, while carefully studying the landscape/road for horse-drawn buggies, is the best way to prevent an accident.
If you or a loved one has been badly injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®