Sharing the road, safely

People visiting Lawrence County are usually introduced to our Amish residents when they find themselves sharing the road with them. Local residents are accustomed to that, but time after time visitors tell me what a surprise it is to see real horsepower on modern roads for the first time.

Our unique traffic situation causes unique traffic issues, but all others are minor compared to wrecks that involve an automobile and a horse-drawn buggy or wagon. The frequency of those accidents has raised concern at the state level and was the subject of a meeting I had with Department of Transportation officials and Ethridge Mayor Robin Cobb last week.

TDOT Community Transportation Planner Jonathan Russell told us there have been 64 automobile-buggy accidents in Lawrence County over the past five years. There have been relatively few fatalities: the most recent was 2009. Given the potential for damage when a motorized, two-three-four-or-more-ton vehicle collides with a buggy, it’s amazing there haven’t been more.

Russell brought a map of Lawrence County that indicates where accidents have occurred. Most happen in the places you might expect: on Highway 43 in Lawrenceburg between Highway 64 and the north city limits; on Buffalo Road north of its split from Highway 242 (Henryville Road); and in the area where Brewer and Campbellsville Roads enter Highway 43 North.

Again, those of us who live in Lawrence County are aware of Amish drivers and know the places and times to be extra cautious. That may be one reason the accidents we’ve had have not been more serious. Many wrecks could involve folks who are passing through, but there’s no data to support that.

Before anyone does anything to address the situation, Lawrence County and TDOT officials will try to better understand why accidents occur. That’s the only sensible way to start.

Let me also reassure our Amish community that we will go forward with a full understanding of their beliefs. Part of our plan includes discussions with Amish leaders so solutions respect the principles that guide their lives.

In the meantime, I ask that all drivers - Amish and otherwise – be extremely cautious and aware of one another on our roads. Our only concern is safety, and that should be yours as well.