Amish Safety Day: Key Guidelines for Motorists in St. Mary's

By David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor on July 31, 2024

St. Mary's County Government is championing safety around Amish horses and buggies with a reminder to local drivers to slow down and maintain courtesy. This call for increased awareness coincides with Amish Safety Day on August 1st, aiming to prevent accidents that have historically led to severe injuries and fatalities.

Located in St. Mary's County, Maryland, the Amish community consists of about 350 families, primarily residing in the Chaptico and Mechanicsville areas. Key routes frequented by Amish buggies include Thompson Corner Road (Maryland Route 236) and Budds Creek Road (Maryland Route 234), along with other local roads near the border between St. Mary's and Charles counties.

Given the low visibility and unexpected presence of Amish buggies, which travel at speeds of only 15-20 miles per hour, they are particularly vulnerable on public roads. To enhance safety, the county provides several guidelines for motorists:

Speed: Motorists are advised to reduce speed in Amish-populated areas.
Passing: Drivers should pass buggies cautiously, switching to the opposite lane and allowing at least 20 feet before merging back, to avoid startling the horses.
Noise: It's crucial to avoid honking or creating loud noises near horses, which might get spooked and lead to dangerous situations.
Photography: Stopping to take photos near Amish buggies is discouraged as it poses a risk to both the horse and buggy operator.
Awareness: Understanding that a horse and buggy do not operate like motorized vehicles is vital; for example, buggies often move towards the center of the road when turning and may have functional turn signals.

Additional advice includes maintaining a significant distance behind a buggy at intersections to avoid collisions should the horse step backward unexpectedly. Nighttime visibility is also a concern, though most buggies are equipped with flashers to improve their visibility after dusk.

These guidelines aim to foster mutual respect and safety on the roads, ensuring that both Amish and non-Amish residents can coexist and travel safely within the community.