How Are Brake Lights on Amish Wagons Powered?
The Amish are a Christian group with roots in the Protestant Reformation in 16th-century Europe. While based on Christianity, the Amish have also developed their own set of beliefs, most notably living simply. It is a misconception to think these plain folk reject technology. Instead, they use it selectively.
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Behind the Buggy
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Visitors flock to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to explore the Amish culture, often spotting a horse and buggy in action on a major road with other automobiles. The Amish choose to use the horse and buggy over a car to keep people closer to home--an automobile would encourage more and farther travels. The horse and buggy is also symbolic of the separation from a bigger world.
Battery Power
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The rules surrounding technology vary among Amish groups. Most reject the idea of electricity connected from public power lines; however, many Amish generate their own power at home through wind, water or solar panels. In the early 20th century, the Amish used kerosene lamps as a lighting source on board buggies. Today, as a greater need for safety arose, many equip their buggies with battery-powered lights, including brake lights, interior lights and even turn signals.
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Safety
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Without proper precautions or increased awareness, accidents can occur between buggies and automobiles. Many of these collisions--often injury-sustaining or even fatal--are caused by another car misjudging the speed of the buggy or not seeing the carriage. There are Amish settlements in 28 states, and some of these states have passed laws requiring brake lights or turn signals on buggies, or at least reflectors or "slow moving vehicle signs." Pennsylvania is one of those states, but despite state law, some Amish sects refuse to abide.
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- Photo Credit amish travel image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
