If my readers tire of the mantra - 'just when I think I've heard it all another story comes along so incredible as to defy belief' - well, trust me I get weary of saying it. This would hold true for the following news item about a sensational and wholly preventable automobile crash that killed an innocent passenger who was just out looking to buy a new car.
The story has so many angles it could be filed under drunk driving accident, speeding, wrongful death and more.
In a northeastern state right after this past Christmas holiday a man and his son went out to do some casual window shopping of import cars. The salesman (who allegedly has a history of driving while under the influence accompanied by some jail time) offered to join them in a test drive and after the prospective buyer had the opportunity to drive the salesman took the wheel forcing the vehicle to travel at up to 100 mph.
The ending is all too predictable. The salesman lost control of the car. It went airborne, crashed and killed the older gentleman. When the police arrived on the scene the salesman admitted to drinking rum before driving - and a blood test determined there was marijuana in his system as well.
The 'moral' (if there is one) to this story - or perhaps a better phrase is the 'caution' of it is to be sure that the person who takes you out for ride in a car is not intoxicated or otherwise impaired. Your life may literally depend on it.
