- 8-year-old girl killed in rear-end collision with SUV
- 12-year-old boy hospitalized in critical condition
- SUV driver arrested for operating under the influence
- Horse died at scene on Van Buren County road
- Michigan law permits children in buggies without adults
Wednesday morning’s tragic collision in Lawrence Township has reignited conversations about road safety in Amish communities. At approximately 8 a.m., a routine buggy ride turned deadly when an SUV struck the horse-drawn vehicle from behind. The impact claimed the life of a young passenger and left emergency crews battling to save her critically injured brother.
Michigan State Police confirmed the 34-year-old SUV driver showed signs of impairment from unknown substances. While her two passengers escaped injury, authorities emphasized the legal consequences of operating vehicles under the influence. This marks the third DUI-related buggy accident in Van Buren County since 2022, according to MSP records.
Regional transportation data reveals sobering context: Amish vehicle collisions increased 17% statewide between 2020-2023. Rural counties with growing Plain populations like Montcalm and Newaygo report similar safety challenges. A 2022 Ohio State study found that 63% of buggy accidents occur on roads with speed limits exceeding 45 mph.
Law enforcement officials urge drivers to implement defensive strategies when sharing roads with buggies:
- Reduce speed when approaching horse-drawn vehicles
- Maintain minimum 5-car length following distance
- Use extreme caution when passing in no-zones
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends retroreflective tape and LED lanterns for improved buggy visibility. Some Michigan communities have implemented “Share the Road” signage programs along Amish transportation corridors. These measures reduced night-time collisions by 41% in a 18-month Tuscola County pilot program.
As the injured boy continues treatment at Bronson Methodist Hospital, local Amish leaders plan community safety workshops. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for increased driver education and infrastructure improvements in Michigan’s mixed-transportation rural areas.