Winter Driving Advisory: Share County Roads with Horse-Drawn Buggies
With winter conditions arriving along US‑62, SR‑39 and rural county roads, the Holmes County Engineer’s office is urging motorists to slow down, leave extra stopping distance, and pass horse‑drawn buggies only when visibility is clear. Residents can report hazards, request driveway and right‑of‑way permits, and review county maintenance responsibilities — including paving, bridges and snow removal — through the Engineer’s office website.
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Winter weather has arrived in Holmes County, bringing slick pavement and reduced visibility to major corridors such as US‑62 and SR‑39 as well as the county’s rural roads. The county is reminding drivers to take special care around horse‑drawn buggies, a common mode of transport in many rural townships, particularly during icy or snowy conditions when stopping distances increase and sightlines on hills and curves are limited.
Motorists are advised to slow down when approaching hills and curves, leave extra space for stopping and overtake buggies only when they have full visibility of the roadway. These precautions aim to reduce collisions and provide safer passage for both motor vehicles and horse‑drawn conveyances, whose slower speeds and limited maneuverability create particular risks in winter weather.
The Holmes County Engineer’s office handles road maintenance responsibilities that affect winter travel. Paving, bridge upkeep and snow removal fall under the office’s remit, and residents who encounter hazardous conditions are encouraged to report them so crews can prioritize repairs and plowing. Driveway and right‑of‑way work requires permits from the Engineer’s office; forms and contact information are available online at holmesengineer.org/highway-repairs.
For rural residents who depend on horse‑drawn buggies for daily errands, school routes, farm work and access to local businesses, the guidance is practical as well as cultural. These vehicles are an integral part of life in parts of Holmes County; ensuring safe interactions between motorized vehicles and horse‑drawn traffic supports community mobility and respects longstanding local practices. Slower speeds, patience at crossings and avoiding sudden passing maneuvers on blind rises can prevent accidents and support emergency responders’ ability to reach people quickly when roads are treacherous.
The Engineer’s office page also outlines the permitting process for driveways and right‑of‑way alterations, an important step for residents planning winter or spring projects that touch county roads. Timely reporting of potholes, fallen trees, icy patches and other hazards helps the county allocate resources where they are needed most.
As the season progresses, Holmes County officials are urging all drivers to adjust habits for winter road conditions and the presence of slower-moving traffic. By adopting cautious driving practices and using the Engineer’s office resources to report hazards or obtain permits, residents can help maintain safe, passable roads through the winter months.
