Fatal accident

[Rich Bingham]

The driver lost control of his car on a grade and plunged 50 feet to the creek below, June 29, 1921. He died three days later from injuries sustained in the accident.

[John kuehn]

I can imagine going over the edge and thinking what’s next! The guy or whoever probably fell out or was almost out of the car on the way down. The person would have been better off if he would have been thrown out instead of of staying with the car and the shattered glass and no telling what else!

[Rich Bingham]

"Automobiles are ugly and unsafe."

- Kittie Wilkins. 1857-1936.

Idaho's "Horse Queen" from the 1880's through 1910 shipped more horses to eastern markets than any other producer. She rode the horse roundups side-saddle as pictured.

[Oldav8tor]

We forget there were some nasty carriage accidents as well. Nonetheless, accidents are to be avoided in a Model T.

[SurfCityGene]

Glad this was 19 instead of 2021 !!! Always cringe when I see a post like that! Probably would lived today with medivac

[RajoRacer]

Agreed - rather morbid post for the Forum - perhaps O.T. ?

[JohnM]

I miss read this at first as 2021, until I looked close at the picture. I thought, omg do we know who it was?

[Caswell]

and the point of this post is

[Rich Eagle]

Early motoring had it's tragedies. A reminder to be careful is a good thing. I'm reminded of an interview that Fred Marriott gave regarding his crash of the Stanley Steamer on Daytona Beach in 1906. The morbid mention of the first fellow on scene was a doctor who put his eye back in it's socket was a bit shocking. However his comment that "It is my best eye now" gave me a chuckle and the realization that these were real people much like us today. They were living life and enjoying things they loved.
Thanks for the period photo.
A Runabout, perhaps '17-'19 in my estimation.
Rich

[John kuehn]

Yes it’s real life. While we love our old cars it’s a reminder that our Model T’s weren’t indestructible then and surely aren’t now. A good reminder to be careful is always appreciated.

[DHort]

I almost got sideswiped the day after I brought my Speedster home. I signaled for a right turn into a gas station and a young girl passed me in the parking lane. Something made me look before I turned. I think the purpose of this photo is to remind all of us to be extra cautious. Drive like you are on a motorcycle and car drivers never see you.

Kittie may have thought horses were better, but runaway horses and being thrown can also result in fatalities.

[OilyBill]

I just read a story in "Documenting Reality" about a woman who was walking along the road in PA, and was invited by the local butcher to ride with him in his wagon. When she climbed in, the horses bolted, and the butcher was tossed out of the wagon. She wound up in the back of the wagon, which was lined with meat-hooks on the ceiling and both sides. She got tossed around in there for a little over a mile before someone caught up to the team and got them stopped. They described her injuries, and finally stated in the article "She is not expected to survive the night"
Horses were always a misery to use. We forget how much of an improvement cars were.
My grandfather was kicked in the face by a horse in Chetek, Wisconsin, and he also was reported in the paper as "not expected to survive"
But he did. He never owned another horse. He bought a Packard, and Packards were all he drove for the rest of his life.

[Duey_C]

No wonder I don't like road edges that have a hill down from there.
Sobering reminder. It happened then and still does.
Dare I thank you for the post Rich.
I was wanting to ask if standard rear axle, Ruxtell or clamshell but with the negativity I won't.

[varmint]

The drivers may not be any better, 100 years later, but at least the roads are safer than they were.