Three Amish siblings killed in buggy crash: Why this tragedy could change road laws in Indiana

A devastating accident involving a horse-drawn Amish buggy and a Mercedes-Benz GLA in Marshall County, Indiana has reignited concerns about rural road safety. The crash occurred on the morning of April 9, 2025, near the intersection of Fir Road and 4th Road, just south of Bremen. The buggy was carrying four Amish children—identified as Glenda Jo Yoder, 13; Darrell Yoder, 10; and Devon Yoder, 9—who were on their way to school when the vehicle was struck from behind by the SUV. The children were ejected on impact and pronounced dead at the scene. The fourth child survived with injuries, while the 17-year-old driver of the SUV was reportedly unharmed.

Authorities stated that the children were operating the buggy alone, without adult supervision. This detail has drawn public scrutiny and led to renewed calls for updated safety regulations, particularly concerning the age at which children are allowed to operate horse-drawn vehicles on public roads.

What are the legal and cultural factors influencing Amish buggy safety?

The Amish community, known for its rejection of modern conveniences such as automobiles and electricity, continues to rely heavily on horse-drawn buggies for daily transport. Indiana is home to the third-largest Amish population in the United States, making interactions between traditional horse-drawn buggies and modern motor vehicles a frequent—and sometimes dangerous—reality. Under current Indiana law, there is no established minimum age for operating a horse-drawn buggy, a legal grey area that has drawn renewed attention in light of this tragedy.

Legal professionals familiar with transportation law have emphasized the unique regulatory challenges presented by Amish transportation practices. Attorney Dan Armstrong explained that while the Amish way of life is constitutionally protected, state authorities also have a duty to ensure public road safety. He added that unlike motor vehicles, horse-drawn buggies lack essential safety features such as seat belts, crumple zones, and airbags, making any collision potentially fatal for buggy occupants.

Why do rural roads present heightened risks for Amish transportation?

The incident on Fir Road underscores a broader issue facing many Midwestern and Northeastern states where Amish communities coexist with modern traffic systems. Rural roads often lack adequate signage, lighting, or designated lanes for slow-moving vehicles such as buggies. Although Indiana requires buggies to display a bright orange triangular slow-moving vehicle sign and reflective tape, these precautions are often insufficient in poor visibility or during peak traffic hours.

The Mercedes-Benz involved in the crash was reportedly travelling at standard road speeds, and preliminary assessments indicate the buggy may have been difficult to see in time to prevent the impact. Such crashes highlight the persistent danger of high-speed vehicles sharing roads with traditional modes of transport that typically travel under 10 miles per hour.

What policy changes are being considered in response to the crash?

In the wake of this tragic event, local legislators and transportation safety advocates are exploring potential policy changes aimed at enhancing safety for Amish families. These proposals include setting a minimum age requirement for buggy operators, mandating adult supervision for child passengers, and installing rear-facing cameras or GPS tracking devices to monitor buggy movements in real-time.

Advocacy groups have also urged the state to launch awareness campaigns aimed at educating non-Amish drivers on how to safely navigate roads shared with horse-drawn vehicles. There are also discussions around expanding the use of designated buggy lanes in high-traffic Amish regions, although such infrastructure changes would require substantial investment and long-term planning.

Experts have pointed out that any legislative action must strike a delicate balance between improving safety and respecting the religious freedoms and cultural practices of the Amish community. Historically, Amish groups have resisted certain forms of governmental intervention, particularly those requiring technological modifications that conflict with their beliefs.

How common are Amish buggy accidents in the United States?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States records over 120 crashes involving horse-drawn buggies annually, with the highest concentration in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. These collisions often result in disproportionately high injury and fatality rates due to the vulnerability of buggy occupants.

In Marshall County alone, several such incidents have occurred in recent years, although this latest crash ranks among the most fatal. Local residents have expressed growing concern over the frequency of these accidents. One neighbor, speaking anonymously to media, recalled witnessing a near-collision the previous month when a startled horse bolted after being honked at by a passing vehicle.

What has been the community reaction to the loss of the Yoder children?

The town of Bremen, along with broader Amish and non-Amish communities in Indiana, has been shaken by the deaths of Glenda Jo, Darrell, and Devon Yoder. Community members have held vigils, prayer gatherings, and support sessions for the grieving family. Local churches have begun collecting donations to assist with funeral expenses and emotional support services.

The emotional impact of the crash has resonated across the region, with public sentiment strongly aligned in favor of finding preventive solutions. However, amid the grief and calls for action, some are cautioning against knee-jerk legislative responses that fail to engage the Amish community in meaningful dialogue.

What lessons can be learned from this tragedy?

This tragic collision serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often overlooked intersection between tradition and modernity on American roads. While the Amish community’s reliance on horse-drawn transportation is protected by deeply held beliefs and historical precedent, it is becoming increasingly clear that modern road systems must evolve to accommodate all users—especially the most vulnerable.

The deaths of the Yoder children may ultimately prompt Indiana and other states with significant Amish populations to reevaluate their traffic safety frameworks. Whether through age regulations, better lighting, designated buggy lanes, or public education initiatives, the focus moving forward must be on preventing such tragedies without compromising cultural integrity.