AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM

OUR AMISH NEIGHBORS

New Yorks Amish population is the fastest growing in the U.S., and St. Lawrence County is home to the second largest Amish community in the state. The Old Order Amish, descendants of the radical Anabaptist Reformation, rst came to the North Country in 1974 in search of available farmland. St. Lawrence County is now home to 11 different Amish communities, each with their own churches, schools and customs. Understanding some of these customs, such as the reliance by many Amish on slowmoving horse-and-buggies, can help keep our roadways and our communities safer.

PattY rItChIe
St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Ofce St. Lawrence County Trafc Safety Program St. Lawrence County Clerk

state seNator

PattY rItChIe
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Senator Patty Ritchie 330 Ford Street Ogdensburg, NY 13669 (315) 393-3024 www.ritchie.nysenate.gov St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells Emergency: 911 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 (315) 379-2222 www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Departments/Sheriff St. Lawrence County Trafc Safety Program 80 State Highway 310, Suite 1 Canton, NY 13617 (315) 379-2306 St. Lawrence County County Clerk Mary Lou Rupp 48 Court Street Canton, NY 13617 (315) 379-2237

seNator

SHARE THE ROAD

share the road

St. Lawrence County roads may seem quiet and uncongested, but rural roads are not engineered for high speeds, and passenger vehicles share the road with trucks, cyclists, farm vehicles, pedestrians, and a growing number of Amish families who rely on slow-moving, horse-powered buggies as their main form of transportation. While the notion of sharing the road with an Amish buggy may seem like a quaint notion, keep these facts in mind to avoid a tragedy.
Amish Buggies... Move much slower than other traffic, usually about 5-8 mph. (or slower, if pulling a wagon). Are not equipped with side and rear view mirrors. Are painted black or dark colors. May use grey reflective tape and one lantern mounted on the left rear in lieu of the slow moving vehicle triangle. The horses that draw the buggies are like other animals: they may be startled by loud noises or behave unpredictably. Horses often back up a few feet when stopped at stop signs, lights, etc. Noise of clomping hooves may drown out sound of vehicle approaching from behind. Motorists should... Always expect buggies or other slow moving vehicles on rural roads. Slow down immediately and maintain a safe speed near buggies, so that they can stop quickly if needed. Maintain a space cushion of several yards behind buggies, even when stopped. Refrain from honking, revving engine, or making other loud noises. Dim their bright headlights when a buggy is oncoming, as they would for other vehicles. Remain patient and courteous. Rules for passing a buggy

SHARE THE ROAD

Motorists should only pass a buggy if it is safe and legal. On a two-lane highway, vehicles in the oncoming lane have the right of way. Drivers should wait until sight distance is good and the lane is clear. Reduce speed and move to the left side of their lane, providing as much room as possible between their vehicle and the buggy. Never pass on a hill or blind curve in the roadway.

Keep in mind Amish children are not bused to school; they walk, as much as 1-1/2 miles each way. Motorists need to be very careful when children are walking along the roads to and from their Amish schools.