A horse has been euthanized and a buggy driver hospitalized following a crash on Highway 17 last week.
Ontario Provincial Police were called to Johnson Township west of Archibald Road at around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Investigators say the horse and buggy were in the eastbound lane closest to the shoulder when they were rear ended by an “inattentive” pick-up truck driver hauling an enclosed utility trailer.
The horse was struck and had to be euthanized at the scene.
The buggy driver was ejected into a ditch, causing non-life threatening injuries.
East Algoma OPP say this is the second crash involving horse-drawn vehicles they've investigated within the last year.
Last December a buggy driver died after being struck by a tractor trailer on Highway 17 west of Iron Bridge.
In that case, the tractor trailer driver and their company were charged with multiple offences.
OPP say horse-drawn vehicles are some of the slowest on the road and are often black in colour.
“Operators don't require a driver's licence, vehicles don't need licence plates, seatbelts or child safety seats and insurance isn't required,” said police in a news release. “Vehicle licensing generally is restricted to motorized vehicles.”
“Most horse-drawn equipment must have a reflective, slow-moving vehicle sign. Exemptions are allowed for religious reasons, but even then, five reflective strips are required for travel on public roads.”
Areas where drivers are likely to encounter Amish and/or Mennonite horse-drawn vehicles are between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Waterloo Region, Bruce County and Aylmer area.
OPP are reminding drivers of the following:
- Drive slowly when you are approaching, passing or following a buggy
- Do not crowd - allow enough safe space
- NEVER honk horn as it scares the horse
- Increased times of travel - Sunday mornings and Wednesdays are church days, weekday mornings and afternoons are school time. Saturday is Market Day. Keep a look out
- Remember that passengers in buggies do not have seat belts and often carry children. Be aware
