Okay - so here it goes...

I think we should respect the Amish way of life. I'm not saying that I agree with their hypocrisy's such as some having cars (black bumper Mennonites) and some having electric or making "exceptions" with having bikes (when they are not to have "worldly" transportation with rubber tires), or selling their wares to the tourists, but give them a little bit of a break.
Black bumper Mennonites as you say are NOT Amish.

Yes, they should be more careful with their children - when you take into consideration the rates of farm accidents... I think there's too much lack of supervision there.

All parents should be more careful with their children. There are a lot of 'accidents' period when it comes to children due to lack of supervision by their parents. The only reason we hear so much about the farm accidents is to get the 'haters' out there to say those that farm should be ran out of the county.

Yes, it would be nice if they "modernized" and didn't cause a back flow of traffic and accidents, but I say to the car drivers - SLOW DOWN people!

I find it mind boggling that people think driving 10-15 miles over the speed limit is going to get them there any faster (maybe 2 minutes - tops). Save a life/lives people. It's time to stop being so self centered and respect the other people on the roads, whether it be bikers, Amish buggies or pedestrians.

I will not disagree that buggies cause back log when on the road, however, I have been behind senior drivers already that cause a back log as well. They also cause accidents. Aggressive drivers are also another problem on the roads. When you are driving on a road with a posted speed limit of 50 and you come across a passing zone and you have a car pass you like your sitting still, they are definitely NOT doing 50 mph.

The only major problem I have is that these buggies aren't required to have seat belts or any kind of padding or safety (as much as a freakin' buggy could have) features. I know that sounds ridiculous when you have a car barreling at 55 mph (or more) at you in a measly buggy - but they should be required to have something as a buffer to help the impact.

My question here is, how exactly are seatbelts going to do anything in a buggy? Have you ever ridden in one? One of the major things I have seen when a buggy is involved is when a car is barreling at them (as you say) is the individual driving the car doesn't bother to slow down any when they are approaching the buggy, they then whip out to pass the buggy and when they are barely even pass the horse, they whip back into their lane. They are the same individuals that will approach a car the same way and do the exact same thing when passing that car.

I still respect their way of life - even if I don't agree with it. I cannot fathom it, but they have a right to live just like we do in our modern conveniences.

I think bottom line here is - they have their faults just like everyone else - let bygones be bygones and people SLOW DOWN!

You are right, we all do have the right to live our lives, and a lot of the problem is people think their way of life is the right way for all. When an individual is behind the wheel of their car, they should remember there are others on the road too.

And anyone is free to ride around in a horse and buggy if they'd like all the "great" benefits and none of the hassle of insurance, driver's licenses, and all that.