Buggy accidents have been a problem around our region for many years. As technology has advanced the Amish have enjoyed a humbler way of life and embrace the simple things. Generally, Amish buggy drivers follow the rules of the road and try their best to steer clear of motor vehicle drivers. However, there are still hundreds of buggy-related accidents throughout the country every year.

In Lancaster this past Monday, a 14-year-old girl was seriously injured while driving a horse and buggy after being hit by a commercial tractor trailer. The accident took place around 7:30 a.m. in Leacock Township, Lancaster County between Intercourse and Bird in Hand, just east of the town of Lancaster.

Pennsylvania State Police told reporters that the driver of the horse and buggy was making a left-hand when it was hit by a truck that was trying to pass it on the left. Police say that it was a lane, but that they believe the horse became startled and veered off the road, causing the buggy to spin out of control before finally coming to a rest in a ditch on the side of the road. The girl is said to have suffered cuts to her head and other injuries to her upper body. She was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated. The horse died in the accident and the driver of the tractor trailer, a 24-year-old man from Lancaster, was not hurt. 

As the weather warms up, we're all likely to see more buggies out being driven around by Amish and Mennonites. Remember, please be kind and share the road with everyone. Buggy accidents can be serious for both the buggy driver and people in motor vehicles. No fatal accident is worth getting to your destination a few minutes early.

Source: WFMJ, "Girl, 14, hurt in Lancaster County buggy crash" 7 April 2014