Two hit and run accidents occur in one night

LANCASTER- It has been devastating week for the Lancaster community as 14-year-old Lancaster Middle School student Bryce Buchholz of Elma was killed in a hit and run accident Thursday night.

The driver that struck Bryce, while on his bike, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, and I would like to point out immediately that this may have been possibly avoided if he just would have decided not to drink and drive.

It saddens me to think about the pain and suffering Bryce’s family is going through right now and how Bryce will never get to enjoy a full, happy life. It makes me angry knowing that the driver just left the scene. At the time it made me think that people just don’t care about other people. But the way the community has come together since this tragedy has proven me wrong, unfortunately, it had to come at the cost of a young boy’s life.

I don’t want to be so blunt about all of this, but I can’t imagine being any other way. I hope that the driver realizes what he did. He took a life and there is nothing he can do to change that.

A neighbor witnessed the incident and brought the driver back to the scene. I just don’t think there are words to say how amazing that was. He is honestly a true hero, standing up and believing in what is right. As much as we may not like to think about it, I just don’t think there are people out there that would have done the same thing.

For those who decide to drink and drive, I hope you think twice now. Can you see now that it is not worth it! Call a friend, call a cab, or take the bus, but just don’t get behind the wheel of a car. Don’t think it can’t happen to me because it can.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only hit and run accident that occurred on Thursday night. A 19-year-old and a 17-year-old of the City of Tonawanda were struck by a vehicle and once again the driver fled the scene. The only positive in this situation was that the two victims survived.

According to reports, the victims were crossing Niagara Street, near police headquarters, when they were hit by 31-year-old Leslie James Ralston‘s car. He fled the scene, which triggered a police manhunt into Friday morning. Ralston eventually turned himself into police.

Now, I understand he wasn’t under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but why leave the scene of the accident if you’re just going to turn yourself in later.

It is because people only think about themselves and the trouble they are going to get into rather than the people they have hurt. It is a shame. I am glad the two victims are okay and I hope they know how lucky they are to be alive.

So, if anyone is going to learn anything from either incident, I would hope No. 1 it would be don’t drink and drive and No. 2 always use proper driving procedures when behind the wheel of a car. The safety of yourself and others around you while driving should always be practiced.