Please pardon this slight editorial and rant, but this question is actually being asked in certain legal circles. So far I’ve seen two separate articles on the subject; one via IBTimes NY, and the other via a site called Today’s News. While I’m loath to send either site traffic, I’ve linked to them at the bottom of this article so you can read for yourself.
The Facts as They Have Been Reported
This story has been all over the web, but in case you’ve missed it here are the known “facts”:
- Dunn tweeted a picture of himself and his friends drinking at a bar just prior to the crash.
- Dunn’s blood alcohol content was reportedly .0192. That’s more than twice the legal limit.
- Dunn was driving his 2007 Porsche GT3 at speeds in excess of 130 mph while legally drunk.
- Dunn lost control or missed a turn and his Porsche crashed through a guardrail, flying 40 yard before crashing into a tree and bursting into flames killing both Dunn and his passenger.
What is Happening to Personal Responsibility in This Country?
Looking at what we know about the circumstances, and legal precedent aside, why would anyone even suggest that Porsche might be responsible? In my opinion, one of the articles seems to be little more than an attempt at publicity and search engine optimization manipulation (look at the words used to link to the attorney’s website), while the other is just outright foolish. In fact, it seems to suggest that Porsche should have anticipated someone driving drunk, at close to 140 mph and crashing head-on into a tree and designed systems to keep them safe. At least the bar he was drinking at has already been cleared.
What happened to Ryan Dunn is tragic; even more so in that it was probably preventable. At this point, let’s stop trying to place blame and point fingers, especially at Porsche. What would they be sued for, making a sports car that goes too fast? There is only one person to blame in this horrible accident and he’s already payed the ultimate price. Let the story rest and let friends and family grieve.
[Factual Sources: IBTimes NY and Today’s News, Photo Source: dailymail.co.uk]
View Comments (8)
Good post ! Thank you.
Well said. We are big fans of Ryan/Jackass etc. and the news of his death (and passengers) was terrible. In this day and age everyone knows that alcohol and driving do not mix. The message is everywhere.
Pointing the finger at Porsche is just wrong. Regardless of manufacturer, speed and alcohol = your death or someone else.
I'm surprised we do not see more of these crashes with all the actors/singers etc able to buy these exotic sports cars. Drunk or not.
RIP Ryan.
Did the tree get into the way of the car? No? Did it just jump out in front of him? No? He lost control of a car (any car) after drinking too much and then hit the tree killing himself and his (most likey unwilling) passenger. I feel badly for the passenger, his friends, family and of course the tree that didnt have any say in the matter either.
Fuck those guys... the rest of them are lucky that they lived to be 30! If your going to act like a fucking idiot for your entire life... as far as I am concerned he got what he deserved.
The Porsche on the other hand... I feel bad for it. It did nothing accept be purchased by a "JackAss" with to much money and not enough brains or common sense...
Maybe the Dealer should be held responsible for selling a car to a guy who lacks the intelligence and ability to handle a car such as this!
Darwin Award!!!!!
Dead on !!
All it takes is a smart lawyer and look for comments like yours "...goes too fast..."
What do you mean goes too fast? The car is fast, but when you use words like goes too fast, it reminds me on a ban on motocycles... 'went too fast."
OY!
It seems with the continuing erosion of integrity within our Legal community, that there is an upsurge of exposure for exotic car companies (Porsche, Ferrari, ect) similar to the extreme exposure for general aviation (GA) companies (Cessna, Piper, ect). Every time a GA plane crashes, 95% of the time our "ambulance chasing" legal counselors will convince the family to sue (even though 95% of the time, it's pilot/operator error), forcing the GA companies to "settle" out of court. It seems that's what our "esteemed" attorney brethren are trying to do to exotic car companies. thus making the prices of these cars out of reach for everyone but the super-rich (like GA planes are today). Anyone disagree with this assessment??