Rising populations in Amish and Mennonite communities in rural New York over the past decade have led to an increase in the number of buggies on the road, and according to law enforcement officials, concerns about collisions between buggies and motor vehicles.
Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 101 fatalities in buggy accidents from 2011 through 2016. In New York State, there have been at least six people hurt in collisions between motorized and horse drawn vehicles since August.
There are about 24,000 Amish and Mennonite communities in New York State. Safety campaigns have pushed efforts to reduce collisions.