Bad Stang Wreck

todd95GT · 09-11-2001, 12:14 AM

Guys and girls:
For those of you that never read my profile, I am a police officer. I was dispatched to a car crash tonight involving one vehicle. Dispatch advised that the driver was unresponsive. I arrived on scene about the same time as the Fire Rescue trucks. The driver was in rough condition; his head was split pretty bad and he was wearing his seatbelt. He was not responding or conscious but had a weak pulse and was breathing. He was flown by helicopter to the trauma center and I don't know his current condition. Here is what the treaffic investigator concluded from his investigation:
The driver, a 24 year old male, was driving his 1990 5.0 LX notchback approximately 65 miles per hour on this four lane divided road with a 35 MPH posted speed limit. The ground was wet from all the rain (you guys in south Florida know what I'm talking about) we've had, especially tonight. Witnesses stated that he accelerated very quickly from a traffic light and the rear of the car slid out from a quick shift into second gear. It was the same shifting into third gear when he lost control. The 'stang hit the center median hard enough to crack the 3.5" Weld Draglite on the front driver's side. The car spun around, possibly more than once, before the passenger side door impacted a concrete utility pole. The front and rear bumpers were facing the same direction and from the driver's side window, you could literally reach inside the car and touch the passenger side door without overextending your arm.
The car was obviously totalled well beyond repair. I don't think there was a salvagable body panel left on it. More importantly, the young driver was seriously injured. Judging by the impact of the crash-hard enough to move the concrete pole about a half a foot-I don't think he will survive.
Folks, I love to drive my car to the limits like every other muscle car-stang or otherwise-owner. Please, drive responsibly. Enjoy your car as much as possible but think before you jump on it. Know the limits of your vehicle. Our Mustangs are not capable (not in stock or drag racing trim) of taking twisted roads at 70-80 mph like we wish they were. Know the condition of your tires. Know the limits of your car's brakes. Know the road you're on and what's up ahead, i.e: stop signs, blind intersections, and driveways. Keep in mind the weather also. Remember-for every mile per hour you're going, multiply that by 1.5and that tells you how fast you are going. So at 60mph, you're traveling 90 f.p.s. That's really, really fast to be in a 3000-3500 pound metal box.
I don't mean to lecture, but one crash is one too many. I don't want to read about any of you being in the same unfortunate yet highly preventable predicament this poor guy (kid really)was in.
Please be careful.
Todd

------------------
Todd
1995 GT/T-5
Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

Rick 91GT · 09-11-2001, 12:36 AM

Damn, sorry to hear about that, hope the guy lives to see another day. Let us know how he does if you don't mind, my deepest sympathy goes out to his family.

That is why I stopped street racing, not worth the risk to you or all the people around you. Although I am only 24 years old, I can say as I have gotten older things become clearer, and some things are just plain stupid. Speeding and snagging gears isn't smart in the rain.

Rick

------------------
Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension, SPEC stage III clutch, Lakewood SFI bell, S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon!
[b]12.16 @ 113.5, 1.78 60ft..no traction in the 90 degree

todd95GT · 09-11-2001, 12:45 AM

Rick, I called the department after reading you post. The investigator was en route to the driver's house to tell his family that he died in the chopper while on the way to the hospital. Probably severe head trauma. It's something I see all too often, and unfortunately, could have been prevented with common sense.
Be careful all,
Todd

------------------
Todd
1995 GT/T-5
Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

PKRWUD · 09-11-2001, 06:10 AM

That's exactly what I hated the most about working in a hospital (10 years ago); seeing them have to pronounce on some dumb kid like that, and having to recheck his chart to make sure it wasn't one of my dumb friends. You don't forget about that after dinner and some TV.

Thanks for the advice, Todd. You really do have a tough job. I wish you the best in getting tonight out of your head.

Take care
~Chris

P.S. My Mother , who drives a dark green '99 Camry, lives up by Melbourne, and works in Vero Beach. If you're the cop that keeps pulling her over, BACK OFF!

)

Keep it between the lines.

[This message has been edited by PKRWUD (edited 09-11-2001).]

PrplMonster · 09-12-2001, 09:43 AM

I have to agree with rick on this one, i used to street race alot, won many, lost many licenses.. lol I can say that i have definately grown up, i take my racing to the track! I value my license alot more than showing some punk kid how slow his ride is.

way off topic: Does any of you have family that lives in manhatten? I have 2 aunts that work(ed) in tower 2. Luckily they got out ok, but still thats too close for comfort! Oddly enough, there *used* to be some good street racing in manhatten/lower east side!

.dave

Skyman · 09-12-2001, 10:43 AM

Well said Todd.

I see way to many people driving fast cars with no responsiblity, and not knowing how to handle them.

Skyler

------------------
-1989 Saleen Mustang #406-
TFS TW Heads, E-303, Edelbrock intake, 70mm TB, 73mm MAF, 24lb injectors, 1 5/8 shorties, Off Road H, 3 Chamber flows, Jaz Race seats, Back seat removed, sub-frames, Roll Cage, and a 80 shot of N20.
12.54@107.4 Motor
332RWHP, 350rwtq

95mustanggt · 09-12-2001, 12:44 PM

I think it is good to have stories like this told on the board. It gives a sobering call to all of us what can happen when we do not think about what we are doing.

We all hear about the great racing stories about who killed which ricer, but seldom do we here about the casulties of street racing.

------------------
1995 Mustang GT

Mustang92 · 09-12-2001, 04:30 PM

Can you release the name of the driver? I know plenty of Mustang owners in the area and just curious if it was anyone I knew.

FWIW...last week I think Monday or Tuesday there was a pretty serious crash involving a 87-93 GT all purple on 10th Ave and (I think) Kirk road. Apparently he was speeding and slammed into a pole right on the corner, I didn't know the driver but I've seen the car around locally before.

I have to agree with everyone I used to be heavily involved in street racing. From 92-96 I spent every weekend street racing. Now a days I keep it at the track or the occasional sprint.

------------------
00 GT, MAC Offroad H, Steeda Pulleys & Timing Adjuster, C&L 80mm, 4.30’s, Flows w/turndowns, UPR shifter, UPR Pro Series LCA’s, Lakewood 70/30’s & 50/50’s, 253.8 RWHP/292.8RWTQ
Best ET 12.91
Best MPH 105.49
M/M 100, 7085
2001 Mod Motor Shootout 2V NA Champion

tireburner163 · 09-13-2001, 07:20 AM

I had a simmalar thing happen to me, only I hit a mailbox. That really sobered me up. I drive a lot more carefully now, I think I just needed the sh*t scared out of me.

P.S. I only street race if the conditions are just right (dry, no trafic, no cops, no side streets, no houses)

------------------
THE SLO PONY
1992 Ford Mustand LX. 2.3 liter four-banger, auto. Mods: yanked air-intake silencer Future mods: V-8 or turbo 2.3 swap.

If it ain't broke, you ain't tryin hard enough

Vector · 09-13-2001, 07:03 PM

Driving responsibly is important, but I can't help feel that a lot of fatalities could have been prevented were it not for all the god damn CRAP they stick in the sides of roads!

Light poles, telephone poles, barriers, ditches. Public roads are built so dangerously. There is NO margin for error, if some poor soul slides out because of ice or rain he's going to damn well die because he hit a pole. Why the hell can't they pass new laws requiring anything on the sides of roads to be break-away or spaced well back. We need to take cues from race-courses. It's not only to protect the idiots, but the innocents who end up getting caught along with them.

Putting freaking steel poles on corners is just asking for someone to slam into it. You lose control, you die.

Mr 5 0 · 09-13-2001, 07:16 PM

todd95GT:

I read your first post and didn't have time to reply due to all the internet traffic on the terrorist attack. I see now that the guy didn't make it. I'm sorry to hear that.

What a truly senseless waste of life.

Driving a powerful, RWD Mustang is not as simple as just 'flooring it' all the time.
To get on it in the rain is just insane, especially after he almost lost it in the previous gearshifts. The man was stupid (maybe high/drunk - who knows?) and he paid for that stupidity with his life. Sad.

Nothing else to say except that I hope we'll all take this to heart and realize that our 'Stangs aren't just a toy to play with. One wrong move and any of us could end up like that guy...and yes, it could happen to you...or to me No one here is immortal and 'luck' won't save you if you keep pushing it.
That's for the grim reminder. You did us a favor. Hope you get past this loss yourself, as I know it must be a lot harder to deal with when you see it up close, rather than just read about it on a messageboard.

Take care.

09-11-2001, 12:14 AM	#1
todd95GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Posts: 191	Bad Stang Wreck Guys and girls: For those of you that never read my profile, I am a police officer. I was dispatched to a car crash tonight involving one vehicle. Dispatch advised that the driver was unresponsive. I arrived on scene about the same time as the Fire Rescue trucks. The driver was in rough condition; his head was split pretty bad and he was wearing his seatbelt. He was not responding or conscious but had a weak pulse and was breathing. He was flown by helicopter to the trauma center and I don't know his current condition. Here is what the treaffic investigator concluded from his investigation: The driver, a 24 year old male, was driving his 1990 5.0 LX notchback approximately 65 miles per hour on this four lane divided road with a 35 MPH posted speed limit. The ground was wet from all the rain (you guys in south Florida know what I'm talking about) we've had, especially tonight. Witnesses stated that he accelerated very quickly from a traffic light and the rear of the car slid out from a quick shift into second gear. It was the same shifting into third gear when he lost control. The 'stang hit the center median hard enough to crack the 3.5" Weld Draglite on the front driver's side. The car spun around, possibly more than once, before the passenger side door impacted a concrete utility pole. The front and rear bumpers were facing the same direction and from the driver's side window, you could literally reach inside the car and touch the passenger side door without overextending your arm. The car was obviously totalled well beyond repair. I don't think there was a salvagable body panel left on it. More importantly, the young driver was seriously injured. Judging by the impact of the crash-hard enough to move the concrete pole about a half a foot-I don't think he will survive. Folks, I love to drive my car to the limits like every other muscle car-stang or otherwise-owner. Please, drive responsibly. Enjoy your car as much as possible but think before you jump on it. Know the limits of your vehicle. Our Mustangs are not capable (not in stock or drag racing trim) of taking twisted roads at 70-80 mph like we wish they were. Know the condition of your tires. Know the limits of your car's brakes. Know the road you're on and what's up ahead, i.e: stop signs, blind intersections, and driveways. Keep in mind the weather also. Remember-for every mile per hour you're going, multiply that by 1.5and that tells you how fast you are going. So at 60mph, you're traveling 90 f.p.s. That's really, really fast to be in a 3000-3500 pound metal box. I don't mean to lecture, but one crash is one too many. I don't want to read about any of you being in the same unfortunate yet highly preventable predicament this poor guy (kid really)was in. Please be careful. Todd ------------------ Todd 1995 GT/T-5 Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

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09-11-2001, 12:36 AM	#2
Rick 91GT Procharged! Join Date: May 1999 Location: Hanover, PA Posts: 1,539	Damn, sorry to hear about that, hope the guy lives to see another day. Let us know how he does if you don't mind, my deepest sympathy goes out to his family. That is why I stopped street racing, not worth the risk to you or all the people around you. Although I am only 24 years old, I can say as I have gotten older things become clearer, and some things are just plain stupid. Speeding and snagging gears isn't smart in the rain. Rick ------------------ Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension, SPEC stage III clutch, Lakewood SFI bell, S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon! [b]12.16 @ 113.5, 1.78 60ft..no traction in the 90 degree

09-11-2001, 12:45 AM	#3
todd95GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Posts: 191	Rick, I called the department after reading you post. The investigator was en route to the driver's house to tell his family that he died in the chopper while on the way to the hospital. Probably severe head trauma. It's something I see all too often, and unfortunately, could have been prevented with common sense. Be careful all, Todd ------------------ Todd 1995 GT/T-5 Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

09-11-2001, 06:10 AM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	That's exactly what I hated the most about working in a hospital (10 years ago); seeing them have to pronounce on some dumb kid like that, and having to recheck his chart to make sure it wasn't one of my dumb friends. You don't forget about that after dinner and some TV. Thanks for the advice, Todd. You really do have a tough job. I wish you the best in getting tonight out of your head. Take care ~Chris P.S. My Mother , who drives a dark green '99 Camry, lives up by Melbourne, and works in Vero Beach. If you're the cop that keeps pulling her over, BACK OFF! ) Keep it between the lines. [This message has been edited by PKRWUD (edited 09-11-2001).]

09-12-2001, 09:43 AM	#5
PrplMonster Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 88	I have to agree with rick on this one, i used to street race alot, won many, lost many licenses.. lol I can say that i have definately grown up, i take my racing to the track! I value my license alot more than showing some punk kid how slow his ride is. way off topic: Does any of you have family that lives in manhatten? I have 2 aunts that work(ed) in tower 2. Luckily they got out ok, but still thats too close for comfort! Oddly enough, there used to be some good street racing in manhatten/lower east side! .dave

09-12-2001, 10:43 AM	#6
Skyman I need 110mph Trap Speed! Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: So, CA Posts: 4,315	Well said Todd. I see way to many people driving fast cars with no responsiblity, and not knowing how to handle them. Skyler ------------------ -1989 Saleen Mustang #406- TFS TW Heads, E-303, Edelbrock intake, 70mm TB, 73mm MAF, 24lb injectors, 1 5/8 shorties, Off Road H, 3 Chamber flows, Jaz Race seats, Back seat removed, sub-frames, Roll Cage, and a 80 shot of N20. 12.54@107.4 Motor *332RWHP, 350rwtq*

09-12-2001, 12:44 PM	#7
95mustanggt Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 2,875	I think it is good to have stories like this told on the board. It gives a sobering call to all of us what can happen when we do not think about what we are doing. We all hear about the great racing stories about who killed which ricer, but seldom do we here about the casulties of street racing. ------------------ 1995 Mustang GT

09-12-2001, 04:30 PM	#8
Mustang92 Drag Racer! Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Lake Worth, FL USA Posts: 757	Can you release the name of the driver? I know plenty of Mustang owners in the area and just curious if it was anyone I knew. FWIW...last week I think Monday or Tuesday there was a pretty serious crash involving a 87-93 GT all purple on 10th Ave and (I think) Kirk road. Apparently he was speeding and slammed into a pole right on the corner, I didn't know the driver but I've seen the car around locally before. I have to agree with everyone I used to be heavily involved in street racing. From 92-96 I spent every weekend street racing. Now a days I keep it at the track or the occasional sprint. ------------------ 00 GT, MAC Offroad H, Steeda Pulleys & Timing Adjuster, C&L 80mm, 4.30’s, Flows w/turndowns, UPR shifter, UPR Pro Series LCA’s, Lakewood 70/30’s & 50/50’s, 253.8 RWHP/292.8RWTQ Best ET 12.91 Best MPH 105.49 M/M 100, 7085 2001 Mod Motor Shootout 2V NA Champion

09-13-2001, 07:20 AM	#9
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	I had a simmalar thing happen to me, only I hit a mailbox. That really sobered me up. I drive a lot more carefully now, I think I just needed the sh*t scared out of me. P.S. I only street race if the conditions are just right (dry, no trafic, no cops, no side streets, no houses) ------------------ THE SLO PONY 1992 Ford Mustand LX. 2.3 liter four-banger, auto. Mods: yanked air-intake silencer Future mods: V-8 or turbo 2.3 swap. If it ain't broke, you ain't tryin hard enough

09-13-2001, 07:03 PM	#10
Vector Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Comox, BC, Canada Posts: 119	Driving responsibly is important, but I can't help feel that a lot of fatalities could have been prevented were it not for all the god damn CRAP they stick in the sides of roads! Light poles, telephone poles, barriers, ditches. Public roads are built so dangerously. There is NO margin for error, if some poor soul slides out because of ice or rain he's going to damn well die because he hit a pole. Why the hell can't they pass new laws requiring anything on the sides of roads to be break-away or spaced well back. We need to take cues from race-courses. It's not only to protect the idiots, but the innocents who end up getting caught along with them. Putting freaking steel poles on corners is just asking for someone to slam into it. You lose control, you die.

09-13-2001, 07:16 PM	#11
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	todd95GT: I read your first post and didn't have time to reply due to all the internet traffic on the terrorist attack. I see now that the guy didn't make it. I'm sorry to hear that. What a truly senseless waste of life. Driving a powerful, RWD Mustang is not as simple as just 'flooring it' all the time. To get on it in the rain is just insane, especially after he almost lost it in the previous gearshifts. The man was stupid (maybe high/drunk - who knows?) and he paid for that stupidity with his life. Sad. Nothing else to say except that I hope we'll all take this to heart and realize that our 'Stangs aren't just a toy to play with. One wrong move and any of us could end up like that guy...and yes, it could happen to you...or to me No one here is immortal and 'luck' won't save you if you keep pushing it. That's for the grim reminder. You did us a favor. Hope you get past this loss yourself, as I know it must be a lot harder to deal with when you see it up close, rather than just read about it on a messageboard. Take care.