Norman Detweiler, a teenager from Middlefield, died Jan. 23 after the horse-drawn buggy he was driving was struck from behind in Windsor, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The boy, 16, had been traveling in his horse-drawn buggy on the shoulder of Route 322, about 6:30 p.m. — after dark — when he was struck by a Dodge Caravan driven by Steven Mares, 53, of Newbury.

This latest loss of life drives home the point about caution and buggy safety in this area and other parts of Ohio that are home to many Amish residents, where it’s not uncommon to see horse-drawn buggies traveling on the shoulders of busy thoroughfares.

Motorists must remain cautious as they share roads and highways with these buggies or other horse-drawn equipment.

Speed limits range up to 55 mph, but buggies generally travel only about 5 to 8 mph or even slower when pulling large farm equipment or crossing intersections, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. That makes for a dangerous combination. Further, there is potential for restricted vision, especially when pulling large loads of hay or other equipment, horse-drawn vehicle drivers may not be able to see cars behind them. Drivers inside have limited views because they sit far back from their horse’s head.

Horses, of course, often are spooked by traffic and rumble strips on roadways.

ODOT offers the following safety tips.

Reflective slow-moving vehicle signs are mounted to the back of farm equipment and animal-drawn buggies to warn motorists of their slow traveling speeds. Motorists must heed the warning.

When passing, automobile drivers should be extremely cautious when approaching buggies and horse-drawn equipment. Motorists should pass only when legal and safe. Before passing, anticipate any left hand turns into fields and driveways, and when passing, allow plenty of room. Horses are unpredictable, and passing cars may frighten even the most road-safe horses.

When driving behind a horse-drawn buggy and approaching a stop sign or traffic light, motorists should leave extra space — at least 10 to 12 feet — between their car and horse-drawn equipment stopped in front of them. Buggies may back up a few feet after coming to a complete stop.

While traveling behind moving horse-drawn vehicles, motorists should be aware of their closure time. Closure time is the time a driver has to recognize and respond when coming upon other vehicles. Drivers have much less time and distance to react to slow-moving vehicles than other automobiles.

Safety can best be summed up with these few steps: approach slowly and stay very aware. Lives depend on it.

editorial@tribtoday.com