Safe-Driving Tips

Visitors come to Amish Country to experience the simple Amish way of life, tour the scenic countryside, and see Amish horse-drawn buggies and the other unique sights that lend the area its distinctive country charm. The slower pace and roadways traveled by horse-drawn buggies and pedestrians, along with numerous cyclists, present challenges to motorists. As a rule, reduce your speed, whether driving paved highways or narrow country roads, and take special care when approaching and passing horse-drawn buggies and pedestrians.

Slow down, relax and enjoy—Typically, horse-drawn buggies travel at speeds between 5 and 8 mph. Horse-drawn farm equipment travels even slower. If you’re driving at 55 mph and approaching a horse-drawn vehicle 500 feet away, you have only 6.5 seconds to react before your car hits the buggy. That’s why it’s important to slow down!

Use your turn signals and headlights—Turn on your headlights even during daylight hours, use your turn signals and brake well in advance. Amish buggies also travel at night, when it’s difficult to judge distances—particularly with black buggies. Look for flashing lights and the orange reflective slow-moving-vehicle signs on buggies. At night, also be sure to use low-beam headlights. High-beam lights can startle horses.

Don’t honk at Amish buggies—Honking horns can startle horses pulling buggies and endanger everyone.

Slow down and approach hills with caution—A buggy might be just on the other side of a hill.