"Accident on Seneca Street" Flashbacks

"Accident on Seneca Street..."

When I first saw the report on the news all I could think of is, that's right where Karen's accident was. Just a few days ago, a pedestrian was struck by a hit and run driver...within feet of where my sister was killed.

Here's a link to the News' story regarding this latest incident. The 69 year old woman is in the hospital, and the woman who struck her hasn't yet been charged. Perhaps it's just a coincidence that the driver who struck this woman on Seneca near Duerstein is the mother of a Town of Tonawanda police officer and sister of the retired Town of Tonawanda Police Chief. I trust that her relations with the cops will have no bearing on the outcome of this case. Too many times "who you know" plays a larger role in the prosecution rather than "what you did".

The article says police are trying to figure out if the driver knew she hit the woman...how could she have not known? The impact sent her flying into the air!

Now at the end of the article, they mention that the victim served prison time for her role in a crash. As far as I'm concerned (as a victim and a fighter against DWI) that should have no bearing on this incident. She's a victim who shouldn't have been jaywalking, but the driver was ultimately at fault.

Now getting back to the flashback...Nearly 13 years later, I remember it like it was yesterday. Within feet of this most recent accident, my sister was riding with her friend when they were struck head on by a drunk driver. To this day, it's very difficult for me and my family to drive down Seneca Street. We often say a prayer as we drive down that stretch where my sister died.

13 years later I haven't forgotten and that's why I continue to fight and speak out about the dangers of drinking and driving, so no other family has to go through the pain that my family endures every day.


Until next time...

Deanna