Leaders: Drivers need to change, not Amish

ADAMS COUNTY, Ind. (WANE)--After Monday morning’s fatal crash involving an Amish buggy, both the Adams County sheriff and county commission chairman agree something needs to change on the roadways.  But they’re pointing at people driving the vehicles, not the Amish.

Just before 8:00 a.m. a van was heading east on State Road 124, near County Road 400 West, when it slammed into the back of a buggy, also heading east.  A 3-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl inside the buggy were killed in the crash.  Two others in the buggy were sent to the hospital in critical condition.  Police say the driver of the van told them he was texting just before the crash.

Monday’s accident was the third fatal buggy crash in the last year for Adams County.  Buggies are a common sight around the area.  30 percent of the county is Amish.

According to a county attorney, the buggies must have an orange triangle on the back.  Many also have lights on the front and back.  Other than that, they're free to use the roadways just like farm equipment, bicyclists, and pedestrians because they’re legally considered slow-moving vehicles.

Adams County Sheriff Shane Rekeweg doesn’t think more regulations need to be imposed on the Amish.  He thinks the accidents are a product of distracted drivers.

“We can't say that they're not allowed on the roadway,” Rekeweg said.  “As drivers we just need to be more aware of our surroundings and pay attention to what's going on.”

Adams County Commission Chairman Doug Bauman agrees. 

“We have pedestrians on our roads.  We have bicycles on our roads.  We have motorcycles on our roads.  Safety's the main issue,” Bauman said.  “There are warnings out there. There are signs out there.  I guess you can't legislate safety.”

While some may disagree, hearts still go out to those who share a way of life in Adams County.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with not only the Amish family involved but the driver of the vehicle,” Bauman said.

Rekeweg said there's no age restriction on the person driving the buggy.  Bauman said it's common to see kids under 16 driving them.