Beaverton Twp., MI – Amish Buggy Crash on Bard Rd Leaves Children Critically Injured

Beaverton Twp., MI (May 5, 2025) – A serious crash involving a motor vehicle and an Amish buggy occurred on the night of Friday, May 2, leaving two young children in critical condition and multiple others injured.

The accident happened at approximately 8:25 p.m. near the intersection of Bard Road and Calhoun Road in Beaverton Township. According to the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office, the horse-drawn buggy was traveling southbound on Bard Road, about one-tenth of a mile south of Calhoun Road, when it was struck from behind by a 2016 Nissan Versa Note. The Nissan was also traveling southbound.

The buggy was occupied by an Amish couple from Clare—ages 62 and 60—and their two granddaughters, ages 1 and 10, who live in Gladwin. The crash caused extensive damage to the buggy and resulted in multiple injuries.

The driver of the Nissan, a 61-year-old man from Mt. Pleasant, was transported to MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland with non-life-threatening injuries. The Amish husband also sustained injuries and was taken to the same hospital by ambulance, accompanied by his wife. The two children were later transferred from Midland to Flint’s Hurley Medical Center in stable but critical condition.

Bard Road was closed for several hours as Michigan State Police Accident Reconstructionists investigated the scene. Beaverton City Police and Beaverton Fire and Rescue assisted the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office at the crash site. The incident remains under investigation, and findings will be submitted to the Gladwin County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Our hearts are with the injured, especially the young children, and we hope for their full recovery.

Buggy Accidents in Michigan

In rural regions of Michigan, horse-drawn buggies remain a common mode of transportation for many Amish communities. Unfortunately, their presence on roadways designed for modern motor vehicles presents serious safety concerns. Drivers often misjudge the speed or visibility of buggies, leading to tragic consequences. Over the years, dozens of accidents involving buggies have been reported across the state.

This type of accident raises important safety issues. Here’s what to consider when sharing the road with slow-moving vehicles:

• Speed Differentials: Buggies travel at much slower speeds than cars, creating significant risks when drivers fail to slow down or misjudge distances. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial to avoid collisions.
• Lack of Visibility at Night: Many buggies operate without modern lighting systems, making them difficult to see in low-light conditions. Reflectors and caution triangles help, but drivers must remain alert, especially on rural roads.
• Road Shoulder Use and Limitations: Buggies often travel along the edge of the road, which can be narrow or uneven. This limits their ability to maneuver quickly in emergencies.
• Passing Challenges: On winding or narrow roads, it may be unsafe or illegal to pass a buggy. Attempting to pass too quickly can lead to side-swipes or rear-end collisions.
• Community Awareness: Residents in rural areas should stay informed about local buggy routes and travel patterns. Awareness leads to safer driving practices and fewer incidents.

If your family was affected by a crash involving a buggy or motor vehicle, call a Beaverton Township car accident attorney today. These cases require a clear understanding of both roadway law and the unique conditions of rural travel. Our Beaverton Township car accident attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we understand how traumatic crashes like this can be—especially when children are involved. Our team has helped families throughout Michigan secure justice and support after serious accidents. We’ve recovered more than $250 million for our clients and continue to stand up for those who need it most. If you're looking for the best auto injury attorney to take your case seriously, call us now. Reach us at 248-886-8650 for a free consultation. We’ll listen, and we’ll fight for you.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.