Share the road: Important things to know when traveling through Amish Country

For many in Michiana, Amish people are a fixture of daily life. With one of the largest Amish communities in the United States, Amish food, crafts, culture, and buggies are prominent for many growing up in Michiana, but visitors to the area might not know the best practices for interacting in a way that’s comfortable for all parties.

This can be especially true on the roads, where horse-drawn buggies can be much slower than the speed limit. Below are some tips to ensure that you keep yourself and your new Amish friends safe when you’re traveling in Michiana.

Share the road

Amish buggies may drive more slowly than your average automobile, but they are legally defined as vehicles that share the roads with cars, motorcycles, and semis. As such, they should be treated like any slow-moving vehicle. Follow at a reasonable distance, give ample room when passing on roads where it’s legal, and always keep an eye out for hand signals from drivers.

When traveling through Amish Country, it’s best not to speed around corners or over hills. Since Amish buggies typically do not have seat belts, a crash at any speed is often fatal. Enter areas you can’t see slowly to ensure everyone’s safety.

When it comes to intersections, Amish buggies have the same rights as you. Yield the right of way when required, and if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to allow buggies to go through first.

Don’t be distracted

While buggies typically have reflective tape or lights for occupant safety, these things may not be enough to warn a distracted driver before a crash. Always follow the rules of the road, keeping both eyes forward and both hands on the wheel.

It’s important not to be a distraction as well. Don’t honk at buggies or flash your brights. These actions can scare the horses, causing them to behave in an unpredictable manner. It’s also best not to try and take photos of buggies as you’re passing. Not only is this potentially distracting for yourself and the driver, many within the Amish are not comfortable being in photos for religious reasons.

Be kind and courteous

Amish people are just people with a different culture, so they shouldn’t be treated any differently than your neighbor, the barista at your favorite coffee shop, or any other drivers on the road. Follow at a safe distance, pass only when allowed, and be alert for unexpected turns and stoppages. When you’re outside the car, feel free to approach Amish people for conversations as long as you keep things respectful.

Interested in learning more about Amish culture? The Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau has some excellent resources covering Amish culture, crafts, and the best places to shop Amish-made goods.

Those wanting to learn more about the road from the Amish perspective can view the jointly created Horse and Buggy Driver’s Manual online. This manual was created with input from several Amish communities as well as the sheriff’s departments of LaGrange and Elkhart Counties.