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Cars have gotten progressively safer in the past two decades thanks to major progress made in the field of safety devices. From traction and stability control to a dozen-plus airbags in even economy cars, new vehicles are loaded with nanny-devices to ensure you don’t off yourself through poor driving and/or decision making. Unfortunately, this technology is not retroactive, and most muscle car enthusiasts we know often eschew safety in the name of speed…sometimes with tragic results.
Delaware Online reports that a 65-year old man was driving his classic ’70 Plymouth Barracuda at a high rate of speed when he lost control and hit a telephone poll. The accident left the driver dead and his classic Barracuda split into three pieces.
This story is made all the more tragic by the presence of family members, who had just brought the driver a fresh tank of gas after he ran out on the side of the road. Witnesses report seeing the driver fill up his car and then take off at a high rate of speed, crashing not far down the road where he ran out of gas.
The damage from the accident can be seen in the telephone pole, which was split at its base by the force of the collision. The driver, whose name has not been released was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. His car was split into three pieces, with the whole engine – a Gen II 426 HEMI – ending up over 100 feet from the point of impact. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and we hope this serves as a reminder to our readership to slow down, lest you end up like this unlucky soul.
Unfortunately, this is one E-Body that is past repair.
