Beaverton Twp, MI (June 12, 2026) – An 11-year-old Amish boy was seriously hurt on Wednesday, June 10, after a horse-drawn buggy he was driving was struck by a sport utility vehicle on McCulloch Rd, about a quarter mile north of Lang Rd in Beaverton Township.
According to investigators, the child was leaving a residential driveway when the buggy entered the roadway in front of a 2016 Buick Enclave. Preliminary findings indicate that vegetation near the end of the driveway may have obstructed the boy’s view of approaching traffic.
The Buick was driven by a 79-year-old woman from Gladwin County. Both the child and the driver were injured. The boy was taken to a hospital in Midland for treatment of serious injuries, while the woman was taken to a hospital in Gladwin for care.
The horse involved did not survive the accident. Names of those involved were not released in the initial report. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
We send our best wishes to those recovering from their injuries.
How Visibility Issues Can Contribute to Driveway-Related Roadway Accidents
Driveways that connect directly to rural roads can present visibility challenges for drivers entering traffic. Trees, shrubs, tall grass, and other vegetation may block sightlines, making it harder to see approaching vehicles. This can increase the risk of a roadway accident, especially on roads where traffic moves at higher speeds.
Horse-drawn buggies face additional challenges because they typically accelerate more slowly than motor vehicles. Drivers of both buggies and passenger vehicles frequently need extra time to react when sharing the road. Clear visibility at driveways and intersections can help reduce the likelihood of conflicts between different types of roadway users.
Regular maintenance of vegetation near entrances and exits can improve sight distance. Better visibility allows drivers to make safer decisions before entering a roadway and helps create a safer environment for everyone traveling nearby.
