URGENT UPDATE: The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has just installed new flashing driver alert signs on a critical stretch of Highway 44 in Fillmore County, aimed at enhancing safety for Amish buggies. This installation, located between Mabel and Canton, comes after alarming incidents involving slow-moving buggies in an area known for its significant Amish population.
The newly activated alert system is crucial for increasing motorist awareness, particularly in regions where the shoulder is too narrow due to guard rails, forcing buggies into the roadway. This stretch of Highway 44, just east of its junction with Highway 52, is notorious for its hazardous conditions, especially after a fatal buggy-vehicle collision in 2023 and another crash in 2025 on nearby Fillmore County roads.
According to MnDOT officials, the system operates similarly to existing Rural Intersection Conflict Warning Systems. When a buggy approaches, a sensor triggers a flashing beacon to alert drivers on Highway 44. Each direction has a sign activated when a buggy is approximately 150 feet from the guard rail, featuring an Amish buggy symbol alongside a warning sign that indicates the alert status when flashing.
This innovative safety measure aims to mitigate risks and prevent further tragic accidents in an area heavily frequented by both motorists and horse-drawn buggies. The signs are strategically placed near the Highway 52 Amish Buggy Byway, underscoring the urgency of increased caution in this community.
As this system rolls out, officials encourage all drivers to remain vigilant and respect the presence of buggies on the road. The new signs mark a significant step towards improving safety and protecting the Amish community, known for their horse-drawn transportation methods.
Stay tuned for more updates as MnDOT monitors the effectiveness of these safety measures and their impact on local traffic dynamics.
