CAMDEN TOWNSHIP, Hillsdale County, Mich., Oct. 7, 2026 — Two women riding in a horse-drawn Amish buggy were critically injured Monday morning, October 5, when a car struck the buggy from behind in Hillsdale County, according to the Michigan State Police.
The crash happened around 9:15 a.m. on Territorial Road near Mead Road in Camden Township, troopers from the Jackson post said. A GMC Terrain reportedly struck the rear of the buggy, which was traveling westbound at the time.
A 50-year-old woman and a 38-year-old woman, both of Montgomery, Michigan, were airlifted to University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor for treatment.
The crash remains under investigation. We wish those injured a full recovery.
What Helps Prevent Buggy and Vehicle Collisions on Rural Roads
Crashes between cars and horse-drawn buggies tend to cluster on stretches of road where visibility is limited and speed differences are large. A car moving at highway speed can close the gap on a buggy traveling 8 to 10 mph in a matter of seconds, especially at dawn, dusk, or on roads without shoulders wide enough for a buggy to pull aside.
Engineering fixes that have shown results elsewhere include reflective triangles and lighting requirements for buggies, rumble strips or painted buggy lanes on rural routes, and wider paved shoulders that give slow-moving vehicles room to move over. Some counties with large Amish populations have also added warning signs well ahead of known buggy crossings and adjusted speed limits on specific corridors.
Driver behavior matters just as much as road design. Slowing early when a buggy sign or silhouette appears, leaving extra following distance, and passing only with full visibility of oncoming traffic all cut down on rear-end strikes, which are among the most common ways these crashes happen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023, a reminder that rural two-lane roads carry their own mix of risks distinct from highways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speed affect the severity of a crash like this?
Higher speed differences between vehicles increase the force of impact and the severity of injuries, particularly for occupants of a lighter or slower-moving vehicle such as a buggy.
Why is distracted driving especially risky on rural roads?
A moment of inattention leaves less time to react to a slow-moving buggy, farm equipment, or an unexpected stop, especially where roads are narrow or shoulders are limited.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to safety if possible, call 911, and wait for law enforcement to document the scene. Seek medical evaluation even if injuries aren't immediately obvious, and get a copy of the police report once it's available.
What to Do After a Buggy Crash in Camden Township, Michigan
Anyone involved in or witnessing a crash involving a horse-drawn buggy should call 911 right away and stay at the scene until help arrives. Even passengers who feel uninjured should be checked by medical personnel, since impact injuries aren't always obvious right away.
It helps to get the names and contact information of anyone involved, along with the responding agency and report number, for insurance and medical follow-up. If you or a family member were hurt in a similar crash, keeping records of medical visits and any time missed from work can make later steps easier to manage.
