MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — With Amish wedding season underway across Northern St. Mary’s County, local officials and community leaders are urging motorists to use extra caution — especially on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, when celebrations most often occur and buggy traffic increases on rural roads.
The Amish wedding season typically runs from late October through December, after the fall harvest and before winter weather settles in. Because the season is brief, multiple weddings can be held the same day, drawing guests from across the community and keeping celebrations going into the late evening.
Heavy buggy travel is common on and around the following routes: Route 236/Thompson Corner Road, Route 6, Route 234, Ryceville Road, Trinity Church Road, Bowling Drive and Oliver Shop Road. Families — often with young children — are among those traveling to and from wedding homes.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down on curves and hills, allow extra following distance behind buggies, and pass only when it is legal and safe with a clear view of oncoming traffic. Headlights should remain on low beam when approaching a buggy at night to avoid blinding horse and driver. Motorists should also anticipate slower-moving traffic near farm lanes where events are hosted.
Buggy operators use reflective tape, slow-moving vehicle triangles and lanterns, but visibility can still be limited on unlit roads. Increased patience and reduced speeds are the most effective ways to prevent crashes.
Amish weddings are held at the bride’s family home and are day-long events. Guests often attend more than one celebration in a single day, further adding to evening road activity on the most commonly traveled routes.
Authorities and community members ask all drivers to plan for a few extra minutes of travel during the season, remain alert after dusk and help ensure a safe, joyous time for everyone sharing the road.
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Yeah that means slow down and hang up the telephone