Cars are not the only vehicles on the road. Motorcycles, bicyclists, joggers, farm equipment and other types of vehicles are also on our nation’s roadways. Drivers should remain alert and use caution when approaching these types of vehicles, because unlike a car, the drivers of these vehicles are mostly unprotected. Distracted driving or drunk driving around these vehicles can result in personal injury, or even death.
A Mennonite couple’s horse-drawn buggy was struck by a SUV one recent evening. The couple was returning home after a shopping trip to Muhlenberg Township, which is just to the southeast of Easton, Pennsylvania, when they were struck from behind at about 10:20 p.m. The impact resulted in the couple being thrown to the ground. Both sustained serious injuries, and medical teams rushed them to a local trauma center. The 27-year-old wife, from Blandon, died from head and neck injuries. Officials state the husband is still hospitalized and in good condition.
According to a friend of the family, the woman was pregnant and due to have her second child in January.
The buggy was equipped with working head and taillights at the time of the accident, but the driver of the SUV, a 54-year-old man from Sinking Spring, said he did not see the buggy. Buggies are required to have working lights. The SUV driver was not injured in the car accident. The horse sustained severe injuries in the accident and had to be put down by an officer.
When an accident such as this occurs, the injured parties and the dependents of those killed should educate themselves about their possible compensation options to cover medical, funeral or other miscellaneous costs. It is not an acceptable excuse to say that you did not see the car or buggy in front of you, especially if the vehicle has working head and taillights.
Source: WFMZ.com, “Blandon woman dies in crash between horse-and-buggy, SUV,” Oct. 23, 2012