Amish Woman Killed When Buggy Hit By Semi On Highway (Ohio)
This happened yesterday in Geauga County, Ohio. Both occupants of the buggy were ejected when hit by a semi. The 62-year-old Amishman who was driving survived the initial crash.
His passenger – who, having the same last name, was likely a relative (his wife?) – did not. Reported in the Geauga County Maple Leaf:
A two-vehicle crash on U.S. Route 422 near state Route 528 in Parkman Township killed an Amish woman and seriously injured another Oct. 12, according to the Chardon post of the State Highway Patrol.
At approximately 7:39 a.m., a 2019 red Volvo commercial truck, driven by Daoud Husein, 31, of Dearborn, Mich., was traveling eastbound on Route 422 and a horse and buggy, operated by Lester Byler, 62, of Burton, was also traveling eastbound on Route 422, OSHP said in a press release.
The truck struck the rear of the buggy, ejecting Lester and passenger Mary A. Byler, also of Burton, who succumbed to her injuries on scene, OSHP said in the release.
Lester Byler’s injuries were serious, however. He had to be flown to a hospital in Cleveland. The truck driver was uninjured, and alcohol/drugs “do not appear to be a factor in the crash”.
US Route 422
As mentioned, the road this happened on was US 422 near the town of Parkman. US Route 422 is described as a spur route of US Route 22.
From what I can tell using Google Street View, it’s a four-lane highway in that area. Some parts of it are divided with a grass median; in others there is a central turn lane. You can see the area where it happened in the lower right corner of the map below.
It’s a highway but one with direct turnoffs – side roads and home driveways, for example. One of the busier roads in the area as it’s a route into and out of Cleveland.
The reality is that Amish buggies need to use such roads for local travel in some parts of these communities. And that will expose them to a higher volume of traffic – as well as a higher likelihood of encountering vehicles like 18-wheelers.
That’s something to be aware of when passing through some of these communities. Buggies might be using the busier, higher speed roads too. This brings to mind another example of that in Ohio. In such cases there are typically a good number of buggy warning signs (or at least should be).
The crash remains under investigation. Prayers for this family at this difficult time.
Semi Hits Amish Buggy
I hope this Truck Driver is charged with MURDER there is no excuse if you’re watching the road!!!!! B