A tragic crash in Montcalm Township, Michigan, resulted in the death of a 4-month-old girl when a truck struck the horse-drawn buggy she was riding in, injuring four other children and two adults. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns involving horse-drawn vehicles, which have caused 18 deaths in Michigan between 2016 and 2023. In response, a $70,000 state grant has been awarded to the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency to fund collaborative efforts among law enforcement, health officials, road authorities, driver education leaders, and Amish community leaders to reduce buggy crashes by 15% by the end of the year. The initiative includes public awareness campaigns and discussions on improving buggy visibility.

Michigan, home to the sixth-largest Amish population in the U.S., has long faced challenges with buggy-vehicle collisions despite laws granting horse-drawn vehicles equal road rights and requiring safety triangles. Recent crashes, including a deadly multi-fatality collision in Tuscola County and several other buggy-related incidents, underscore the urgency of these efforts. The state hopes that the safety strategies developed through the grant program can serve as a model for other communities, while continuing to engage Amish leaders to enhance safety measures on the roads.