Trending
Far too many Buckeye State motorists are not share-the-road drivers, to judge by Ohio Department of Transportation statistics. On average, there are about 120 accidents each year in which motor vehicles strike buggies, almost always driven by members of the Amish faith. One occurred recently at Woodsfield.
Amish buggies are required to have certain safety equipment, such as lights for use at night and the red triangle symbols designating slow-moving equipment. But the safety devices are virtually useless unless motorists are alert and driving at safe speeds on roads where Amish buggies can be found. In our area, Ohio 800, Ohio 26, Ohio 148, Ohio 145, Belmont County 26 and Belmont County 92 are among those byways.
East Ohio residents are fortunate to have a substantial number of the Amish as neighbors. We join law enforcement agencies in urging that motorists traveling in Amish country slow down a bit and be alert to the buggies. Adding just a few seconds to your trip could save a life.t