Amish man killed after car crashes with buggy in Ohio

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances can put the lives of other people on the road at risk. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to drive drunk, causing serious or fatal injuries.

A recent car accident an hour northeast of Summit, Ohio, left a 28-year-old man dead after a sports utility vehicle hit the buggy in which he was riding. Four other members of his family were in the vehicle with him. According to the officers, the 42-year-old male car driver rear-ended the buggy, but kept on going because he allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel. According to a release by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the collision destroyed the buggy.

Four of the buggy’s passengers were taken to a hospital. Unfortunately, one of them succumbed to his injuries. The other buggy passenger, the deceased victim’s 19-year-old sister, was taken to another hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The buggy’s driver declined medical treatment. The two other passengers were treated and eventually released.

Police stated that the SUV’s driver smelled of alcohol after the accident. He is facing criminal charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, driving under suspension and DUI.

Ohio has the highest Amish population in the U.S. According to officials, approximately 120 crashes between motor vehicles and buggies occur each year.

Many car accidents can be avoided. Drivers should exercise caution while driving to avoid an accident. Unfortunately, negligent drivers can cause havoc and injure other people on the road. A car accident can leave a victim with serious or fatal injuries, which are often accompanied by medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages and other damages.

Source: NEWSNET5, “Geauga Co. Sheriff’s Office: Man killed in Burton after SUV smashes into buggy carrying five people,” Veronica McGraw, March 30, 2014