MDOT Uses Model T Cars To Assess Road Conditions In Amish Country

As bad as you think the roads are for you cars in Michigan, just imagine what it could do to a buggy or cart wheel. Made out of sturdy wood and metal, almost no suspension, and no give, the wheels of your standard Amish buggy could easily get torn up and broken quick, and that could lead to dangerous conditions for the Amish on our roads.

So, MDOT is determined to make the roads as safe for our vehicles, AND Amish Buggies as possible, and will be assessing conditions with the closest thing WE could find that represents both worlds... a Ford Model T.

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While not QUITE the same as a horse and buggy, a Model T car would have a similar feel on the road as an Amish buggy, and the Michigan Department of Transportation is using these antiquated vehicles to more quickly check road conditions and accommodate for the Amish.

Mostly in Wexford county, MDOT posted a video showing their process, and explained that not only is the ride in a Model T similar to that of a horse and buggy, but they are roughly the same width, too. And since most Amish horse and buggies ride on the side of the roads, it's important to know how much space the surface, and other drivers, are allowing for them.

Officials say they also look for spots along the sides of the road that might result in "troublesome" areas that might hinder the horses pulling the buggies, or could result in them getting spooked, and causing an even bigger issue.

MDOT says it's not entirely safe to drive a Model T on open highway, is still a safer experience for them to audit the roads, than if they were to ride with the Amish in their buggies to check the roads. It also gives them the most authentic feel for what the Amish might be dealing with, while keeping staff from imposing on the Amish in a way that isn't customary to their beliefs.

The project has already resulted in some projects and roads being updated to accommodate, such as the width of the shoulder on M-91, and moving the rumble strips out of the line of their wheels.

Ultimately, their goal is to make the roads safe for everyone, especially the Amish and older Mennonite communities. And, it's fun to think that in Michigan, even the Amish are fans of Ford.