By Christopher Johnson
Clare’s Hamburger Hill at the north end of town has always been a hotbed for car accidents. As vehicles accelerate toward the expressway ramp and exit driveways, it only takes one absent minded driver to ruin somebody’s day, which was this past Saturday at roughly 11:15 AM.
A driver and passenger in a red Kia sped dangerously southbound as the lunchtime rush was beginning to build. Just outside the Shell station and newly opened Jimmy Johns, the Kia crased into an Amish buggy being driven by a father and his son.
The wagon was obliterated, throwing the two from it and onto the concrete, while separating the horse in the process. The Kia’s front end was badly crippled, with a smashed windshield and a body as mangled as the struck wagon. The parties were discovered by first responders swiftly, drawing many concerned onlookers to the sidelines. Some who knew the driver of the buggy personally.
The Amish victims had been lying near the wreckage, both responsive and alert, while badly hurt and immobile. Parties were taken to both Clare and Midland hospitals for further evaluation and have since been expected to recover.
At the time of the collision, the horse became loose. According to eyewitnesses, it took about 15 minutes to soothe and recover the frightened animal. After running loose in the parking lot of Family Farm and Home, the horse was coaxed into a trailer, that arrived as the road was being canvassed with emergency vehicles.
Aside from panic and emotional trauma, the horse was otherwise fine with minimal injury.
The incident has insighted outrage on social media, reigniting the conversation about the speed limit at the north end of town.
“Automatic suspension of your Drivers License if you hit a buggy. Just like DUI. Pay attention!”, writes one community member on Facebook. “This sh*t is ridiculous, people aren’t paying enough attention, they’re on their phones or distracted by something else,” says another.
Much discourse followed about any and all solutions that could be proposed to city officials. In hopes of mitigating these sorts of accidents going forward. As much of the community agrees traffic is simply moving way too fast on the hilltop.
Traffic lights or another roundabout could neuter high speeds, to name a few suggestions. However, it really comes down to drivers just being more responsible and mindful of the bustling activity around them. People are constantly exiting driveways and slighting on and off exit ramps.
Being distracted by a cell phone for even a second is never worth somebody’s life. Which in this case almost claimed that of a child. Who was just peacefully at market with his father.
Amish related accidents have been considerably bad this year. Spread awareness and urge others to respect and be attentive to all horse-drawn traffic in and outside of town.
Not trying to put blame on the buggy owners, however, I was recently driving through Clare on a very busy traffic day.
An Amish buggy was heading north as traffic continued to pass by.
No accident there but I was surprised to see another buggy all black from the rear with zero reflective warning ⚠️ signs anywhere on the buggy.
Yes, everyone needs to be more cautious and aware when driving anywhere, but I am begging the Amish community to start at least trying to help drivers see them.
Start by using a bright easy to see color or reflective signage to stand out a bit more. Just sayin…
Did that driver go to jail?And how is the little one?\nFor their famil
Anyone know the family name for buggy? No way to contact as no phone.. but concerned as friend..prayers for healing recovery ❤️
Clare is growing rapidly however safety precautions are NOT! How about we place more lights in especially on the hamburger hill section we have food locations, farm stores, grocery stores, auto stores, gas stations, car wash and oil change, a coffee drive through now etc!!!! We need lights at least 3 to slow traffic and make everyone responsible to wait their turn to go for safety! Everyone is always in such a huge hurry and this is ending a lot of people in some horrible situations it has become a “hurry up and floor it and go” situation and that’s NEVER a good outcome! Slow down and have patience!!!!! Everyone is trying to get somewhere but no one is going to get far if they are all smashed up in the middle!!!!
The southbound exit ramp needs a stop light at its intersection of Clare avenue and Burger King.
People coming off the southbound ramp at the stop sign rarely stop.
I myself have had many close calls for a T-Bone accident.
The city police or sheriff rarely police that intersection and that’s where the high speed begins in my opinion.