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Michigan’s automotive culture has a rich history that traces back to the Model T. The initiation of its assembly line opened up car ownership to many. Though production ceased in 1927, the Model T’s influence endures today, particularly among the Amish community.
You might be thinking, “But the Amish don’t use motor vehicles.” You’d be right; their beliefs still prohibit such use. However, they do navigate the same roads as motorists, often driving their horse-drawn buggies along the shoulder. Since buggies cannot keep up with traffic speeds, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) employs an original Model T as a benchmark for measuring shoulder widths to ensure safety.
Del Kirby, the MDOT manager for the Cadillac (Mich.) Transportation Service Center, notes that buggies vary in design, often based on regional preferences. “In northern states, the ‘narrow track’ buggy had an axle width of approximately 64 inches,” Kirby explained. When Ford created the Model T, he designed it to align with the dimensions of prevalent horse-drawn carriages of that era.
“Henry Ford tailored the Model T to fit within those wagon tracks,” Kirby added. “Instead of trying to straddle the ruts, the Model T fits perfectly within them. The width of the narrow track buggy closely resembles that of the Model T.”
MDOT employs the Model T to perform road inspections in areas populated by Amish and Mennonite communities. “Riding in a Model T gives you an experience similar to being in an Amish buggy on the roadside,” Kirby said. This approach allows the transportation authority to conduct vital road assessments without disrupting local communities, enhancing road safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
According to Amish America, which covers various aspects of Amish life, Michigan ranks sixth in the nation for its Amish population, estimated at around 18,000 residents. Currently, MDOT is engaged in the M-91 project, a $6 million initiative aimed at reconstructing 4.5 miles of roadway in Montcalm County. This project requires a complete closure of a segment of Highway M-91 from May to September this year.
Narrow road shoulders pose significant risks, as buggies are forced into the traffic lane, which can disrupt faster-moving vehicles. Kirby noted that even wider or fully paved shoulder lanes present risks because buggies, being lightweight, can sway while moving. Any unevenness in the road or a tire straying from its lane can create an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation for both the horse and driver, especially in close proximity to larger vehicles.
“We’ve experienced several severe accidents involving Amish and Old Order Mennonites in Montcalm County,” Kirby stated. For the M-91 project, he mentioned that they will widen the pavement on either side of the shoulder and install rumble strips. Once the construction is finished, the shoulder will be expanded to eight feet, providing a safer path for buggies alongside the highway.
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