Amish On Wisconsin Roads, Space Discoveries, Religious Accommodation in the Workplace

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time

State officials are looking at ways to increase the visibility of Amish buggies after a number of fatal crashes on Wisconsin roads. A lawmaker behind the effort outlines his plan to increase safety for everyone. We also get the latest on some recent discoveries from outer space, and discuss religious expression and protections in the workplace following the firing of seven Muslim employees at a Wisconsin company.

Featured in this Show

  • State Lawmakers Look To Increase Safety For Amish Drivers

    Wisconsin lawmakers are looking for ways to reduce the number of crashes between motorized vehicles and Amish buggies and wagons.

    Two recent fatal crashes have brought the issue to the forefront, said State Rep. Bob Kulp, R-Stratford, who is working with the Amish community and legislators to make the roads safer for everyone.

    In November, a suspected drunken driver in a pickup truck struck and killed an Amish father of six and his 10-year-old son. Last week in Clark County, the driver of a horse-drawn buggy was killed when his spooked horse turned in front of an oncoming logging truck.

    Kulp said the crashes happen too often, especially in the rural parts of Wisconsin where there is a larger Amish and Mennonite population.

    “It’s the kind of thing that I believe can be avoidable for the most part, and that’s why it’s time to take some steps,” Kulp said.

    Current state regulations require Amish wagons and buggies to present some form of marking, typically an orange, triangle-shaped reflective piece and often small, battery-powered red lights, not unlike what might be found on a bicycle.

    The problem, said Kulp, is that those markings are often not visible enough, particularly when snowy or foggy conditions are present.

    Finding a solution will take some negotiating with the Amish community, and Kulp said he has begun to speak with Amish leaders. The challenge, said Kulp, is that Amish congregations vary in their beliefs and what they’re willing to add to their buggies.

    “We need to find something that is unique enough that says here is a horse-drawn vehicle and something that kind of cuts through the middle of where the Amish congregations are,” Kulp said.

    Trying to find that balance will be difficult, but Kulp said he believes there are a number lawmakers in the state Assembly and likely in the Senate who are up for it.

  • Efforts To Increase Safety For Amish Drivers

    In the wake of recent fatal crashes involving motorized vehicles and Amish buggies and wagons, some Wisconsin lawmakers are seeking solutions.

  • Exploring Two Mysteries In Space

    From a possible ninth planet in our solar system to the puzzling behavior distant star, an astronomy writer tackles the hottest mysteries in space.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Rob Ferrett Producer
  • Bob Kulp Guest
  • Bill Andrews Guest

Related Stories