Two Amish Killed in Michigan Buggy Crashes in a Month

Two fatal buggy crashes involving the tragic and completely avoidable deaths of two Amish community members in Michigan have prompted action by law enforcement agencies.

MLive reports that at around 6:30 on the morning of March 6, 2025, 27-year-old Henry Troyer, a member of the local Gladwin County Amish community, was killed when an SUV tried to pass a school bus. Not even three weeks later, The Detroit News reported that on March 26, 8-year-old Alma Yoder was killed in Van Buren County by a woman who was allegedly high on prescription pills. Others were also injured in each incident.

Michigan Law Enforcement Responds to Recent Amish Road Fatalities

The Collegian reports that the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has responded by using $70,000 from a Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) Vulnerable Roadway Users grant to address road safety. The agency is focusing on areas with the highest concentration of Amish population and plans to increase patrols.

While reducing speed limits and increasing law enforcement presence will undoubtedly help, Michigan drivers must also pay attention and be on the lookout for horsedrawn buggies in areas with Amish communities.

How Michigan Drivers Can Avoid Crashes With Amish Buggies

As a rule of thumb, when you see a yellow sign with a horse and buggy on it, that's your cue to keep your head on a swivel, especially at night, as some sects of Michigan Amish are so firm in their beliefs, they won't use reflective triangles.

• Slow down immediately when you spot a buggy, they top out at 10-15 mph
• Give at least 5 feet of clearance when passing a buggy. The more, the better
• Be patient. Tailgating a horse will only freak the horse out, not make it go faster
• Avoid loud honking it scares the horse and puts the riders in danger
• Look for reflective tape, but keep in mind some may not use them for religious reasons
• Watch especially at dawn and dusk, when visibility is at its worst

Michigan's highest concentrations of Amish communities are in Clare, St. Joseph, Hillsdale, Branch, and Mecosta Counties, so be ready to break if you're traveling through.