A Moment Of Reflection

Thomas Kreutzer
by Thomas Kreutzer

Two weeks ago we had a horrific accident here in Buffalo. It was the end result of a street race that saw a 47 year old man trapped in the wreckage of his car and burned alive.

By all accounts both cars involved in the race were out of control, careening around the city at high speed and driving the wrong way up one way streets. Police began and then discontinued their pursuit when they determined the danger was just too great but the racers continued on. Eventually, one of the cars smashed through a guardrail and fell onto a local limited access highway where it landed in astride a concrete jersey barrier and burst into flames.

Although I never met the driver involved, I think about him and the events of that night every day on my way to work when I drive over the piece of melted pavement that remains. It is, I think, a waste. A life cut short in a moment of madness, but rather than pontificate on the dangers of street racing, I thought I would offer up the event for discussion. I am left speechless when I think about how I drive that route multiple times a day. Maybe you can help me find the words…


Thomas Kreutzer
Thomas Kreutzer

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  • Bikephil Bikephil on May 14, 2014

    Having lived in Buffalo for 21 years before finally getting the hell out for nicer climes, I can offer this bit of solace: maybe the guy had finally had enough of living in this hellhole and decided to go out in a blaze of glory.

  • JK43123 JK43123 on May 14, 2014

    While on my daily trip to work through a long-term construction project last year, I observed something laying in the torn up section of roadway and people running toward it. Later on the news I discovered it was the body of a construction worker that somehow was run over by a dump truck. I still feel sad when I pass that spot, not only for the loss but for the person who hit him and how he must feel. John

  • Stickmaster Stickmaster on May 15, 2014

    It's not worth it, people. I'm as libertarian as the next guy, but when you are reckless on the road with cars things get ugly quick, both for yourself and others. There are a million other ways to get a thrill.

  • JohnnyFirebird JohnnyFirebird on May 15, 2014

    Yeah, I did dumb things like this when I was a young adult. Still feel bad for the guy and his family. That's a really rough way to go.

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