Amish Buggy Totaled in Pre-Dawn Crash; Somehow Amish Man & Children Walk Away
Somehow no one was injured in this early-AM crash yesterday in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Looking at the photos, you’d expect otherwise, seeing the heavily-damaged buggy on the roadside. From the Vernon Reporter:
WESTBY, Wis. — Authorities say no one was injured when a pickup truck struck a horse-drawn buggy early Saturday in rural on U.S. Highway 14 yesterday.
The crash happened around 5:15 a.m. on U.S. Highway 14 near West Smith Road in the Town of Viroqua, according to Sheriff Roy Torgerson.
A pickup driven by Russell C. Harless, 67, of Viroqua, was traveling south when it hit the rear of a two-wheel cart operated by Freeman Miller, 53, of rural Westby.
Two children were also riding in the buggy at the time; neither they nor Miller were injured. The buggy did have a slow-moving vehicle sign, and also had lighting. Additionally, the horse made it through okay as well.
That is a pretty early hour to be out and about, and you wonder where they were headed; no businesses are open near that time. Many Amish farmers are regularly up at 4 or 4:30 AM for milking; you’d think if this was a dairy family they’d still be at it, or at least sitting down to breakfast at 5:15 AM when the accident happened.
But being Saturday, perhaps they were making a longer journey in the community, perhaps to an auction or other event that was happening that day.
Five separate Amish communities are located within Vernon County’s bounds, either totally or partially. They include both the Cashton settlement and the Hillsboro settlement, two of the state’s largest. A longer journey may also mean someone traveling from one settlement to another I suppose.
I’m not sure how often buggies are out at that time of day in this particular area, but it may have contributed if the pickup truck driver was not expecting to come across one at that hour.
In any case, glad to hear these guys are alright. I have to assume that the pickup truck wasn’t traveling very fast when the accident happened. The crash does remain under investigation.
Wisconsin Buggy Crash
Holy Mackeral!! Just looking at the wreckage in the accident’s aftermath, it’s a wonder ANYONE survived. There must’ve been an angel on the shoulder of the Amish family. Thanks for bringing us this story, Erik.
Thankfully No Injuries
Seeing that mangled buggy it’s hard to believe that there were no injuries. I’m pretty sure the Amish community would be opposed to a requirement that ALL buggies be equipped with an amber LED light bar on their buggies like tow trucks use not that small blinking light, something more must be done to protect them.
Wisconsin Buggy Crash
Hi there, John. What do you think should be done to better protect the Amish?? I know many Amish churches object to lighting, SMV signs, etc. but I sometimes think that in the interest of “the greater good”, sometimes people have to accept things. Otherwise there would be Anarchy. Example: Criminals in every country don’t seem to think laws apply to them, but without laws, society breaks down. Please do not misunderstand me. I am not criticizing you nor anyone else. Just curious as to what you think should be done. Have a blessed day! ☮️
Wisconsin Buggy Crash
Erik, I’m just curious. What do you think should be done to better protect the Amish on America’s roadways?? I know this particular case is still being investigated, and that alcohol might not have been a factor, but I think every state (all 32 of them) with even a tiny Amish presence should consider tripling the financial penalty for anyone driving a motorized vehicle who hits a horse drawn vehicle. It won’t stop everyone from drinking & driving, but perhaps it will make some motorists think twice. Also, for the “greater good”, I think the Amish SHOULD be required by law to install a flashing amber light on every type of horse drawn vehicle they operate. I know mine are not popular suggestions, but I am so sick & tired of these types of accidents, I could spit nails. Just my personal opinion everyone, please don’t gang up on me and leave derogatory comments. Thanks.
Read and look
Read the sheriff’s report. It says clearly that there were TWO southbound Lanes on this highway which was within the town city limits. The report also States clearly it was not a buggy but a two-wheeled carriage or cart. That is why it was so easily destroyed.
The sheriff’s report also says it was off to The far side of the right lane with two lanes heading south so how in the world could this man possibly hit this if he had been on the road or especially if he had been in the left lane of the two southbound Lanes?
People who think more should be done to make buggies or carts visible are failing to recognize that there are people on the roads nowadays who are texting or phoning or tuning the radio or just plain not paying attention because they really don’t care if they hit somebody. They have airbags and insurance and not much of a conscience! Speed kills. If you want safety then lower the speed limit to 10 miles an hour and everyone will use a bicycle or a buggy or walk!! We currently kill over 40,000 people in the United States by motor vehicle collisions, every year, year after year after year and people don’t care because they love their motor vehicles!!
2 wheel buggy Ford Ranger crash
Henryfrom Canada. I live in he Canadian border just across from an Amish community in NewYork State. I believe they are the swartzentroobers ( i think i have the spelling wrong) .Where i live there is a 3 year established community 10 minutes from me. I see many of the individuals and got to know them quite well. Had 25 young men over for pond hockey. We discuss the scriptures frequently and talk about various doctorine. So I told Mark Miller about your work Eric and He is quite surprised know quite abit about the Amish. Have discussed the very topic of buggy accidents. They don t drive cars but use buggy and bycicles and when going into town use hired drivers with their vehicles. He thinks their should be more lights and smv signs on all these buggies. In fact he found it dangerous to be on major highways at night. So this gentleman AND his two children were fortunate. It seems to be the buggy was half way on the shoulder and the slow lane. So if the Ford truck was dri ing at the legal speed and all there is are two small amber lights it could be difficult to see. The lights should be red and flashing amber lights as well.on alot of major highways there is a minimum speed limit . Hopefully the driver of the Ford did not have alcohol. Im very strong on the belief that drivers that are above the legal limit should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In this case I can easily see how an accident could easily happen. If nothing changes the Amish will lose more lives in these types of accidents. You have to remember the scriptures teaches that humanity has to look out for the common good of everyone. Personally I would love to see a world where we only use horse and buggy but the world is not that way yet. I used the point with Mark that I dont think God would want anyone to die because they used flashing lights on a buggy. In other words better marked. Remember also if a vehicle is coming from a side street they will not see any lights on the side of the buggy or the horse. I think it comes down to reasonabless. No where do the scriptures condemn the use of lights. In fact it tells us to be safe and not take chances with our lives. I.e extreme sports, thankyou Eric for information on Amish life. Im telling the community here of many thinks that they are not aware of in other Amish communities. From what iv come to learn there are so many different rules that make these groups ,sometimes very different from one another. I dont subscribe to the ordnug that a few individual get to decide what must be followed in their particular group. These are generally many rules that do not allow individuals to use their own conscience. Personally I came out of a religion that subscribed to many rules as well. This is something the pharisees did as well in the time when Jesus was on earth. As Jesus pointed out. They were putting heavy loads on the people making worship of God difficult. Rules of men are not what God expects people to adhere to but only what God has outlined in his word. Jesus did say his load was light and he wasn’t going to burden anyone with unnecessary rules. Have a great day Erick and again thankyou for your all you do. Henry
Amish Crash
Hello, Leon. Were you directing your comments towards me?? Please let me know. Thank you. K.D.
Keep alert
They look like they were set up to go fishing or hunting. Not that it really matters. It would be as if the pick up hit a kid on a bike. Pay attention!
Driving Safe in Amish Country
God is a God of miracles – what a blessing! I’ve driven through Amish country hundreds of times, and had a few close calls myself.
Some accidents are unavoidable.
Just a few thoughts to increase the chances of everyone being safe on the road, when driving in Amish country:
1. Never, ever pass a buggy if there’s a road or driveway on the buggy’s left, because not all buggies have or use turn signals.
2. Don’t stay behind a buggy for longer than necessary.
3. Don’t just ‘creep’ past a buggy; go at a normal speed.
4. Pass with enough room so you don’t almost hit the horse’s head when coming back into the right lane.
5. Pay attention to the horse’s feet. If the horse is trotting along evenly and straight, chances are, he’s pretty safe. If you see his feet doing crazy things, then the driver is most likely having a hard time controlling him.
Wisconsin Buggy Crash
Erik, I have to view your website on my phone (my tablet is down for repairs) and the screen is so small. I can’t read the official report and I don’t have a social media account. Would you please keep us updated on this latest crash in Vernon County, near Viroqua, Wisconsin?? I’d be most grateful to you. Thank you!