PITTSFIELD - New York State Police at Richfield Springs responded to a crash involving an Amish buggy and a pickup truck on Jan. 8 at approximately 3:18 p.m. on County Highway 13 near Mooretown Road in the Town of Pittsfield.

Police said an investigation at the scene determined a Ford pickup truck was traveling east on County Highway 13 when the operator drifted to the right, striking a horse and buggy that was traveling in the same direction on the shoulder of the roadway.

The buggy was occupied by four children at the time of the crash.

A 12-year-old female from New Berlin was transported to Bassett Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Three other children, a 14-year-old male, a 9-year-old female and a 7-year-old male, all of New Berlin, were checked at the scene but were not transported, police said. A horse sustained fatal injuries in the collision.

The operator of the pickup truck, Thomas G. Aitken, 26, of Morris, did not report any injuries and was issued a citation, according to NY State Police.

According to AAA at westerncentralnyaaa.com, in New York, Amish buggies are legally permitted on public roads and must display either a slow-moving vehicle emblem (the triangular orange and red sign mounted on the rear) or use reflective tape outlining the buggy and have a lit lantern on the driver’s side.

When in an area known to have a local Amish community, motorists should use extra caution, slow down and be patient. When approaching hills or sharp curves use caution, maintain a safe distance behind any horse-drawn vehicles, and pass only when visibility and space allow.

Drivers should avoid honking, which can startle horses, and look for hand signals used by buggy drivers.