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Has anyone else noticed what seems to be an uptick in the number of accidents involving Porsches? I subscribe to a number of different news services that update me on things happening in the world of Porsche and lately I’ve seen a lot of headlines that have to do with Porsches involved in traffic accidents; some minor, some not so minor.
I started noticing this trend a few weeks ago when I reported on a Porsche 993 driver in Maryland whose car was struck by a falling tree (see the images above). The resulting injuries were enough to cause the driver to be airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital (not to mention it severely damaged the car). Obviously, the driver was not at fault in this accident and just the victim of bad luck.
Following closely on the heals of the story above was the unfortunate incident involving a 51 year old Porsche test driver who was killed while putting a Porsche 998 Cabriolet prototype through the paces on the A5 Autobahn in Germany.
The remains of the 998 Prototype after the incident.
Then, just a week or two ago here in southern Florida, there was a fatal hit and run involving a late model 911 Turbo that claimed the lives of two British tourists.
The wrecked Porsche which police believe was the vehicle that struck and killed Craig Elford and Kenneth Watkinson
These stories are really only a small glimpse into the large number of accidents being reported. My question to you is, “what’s going on?” Is this simply a function of more Porsches on the road then ever before? Incompetent/irresponsible drivers? Bad luck? Or a combination of all three? Regardless, please remember that just because our cars are capable of great speed doesn’t mean that we are!!! Please Drive safe.
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Tree Falls on Porsche 993: Injures Driver
A Porsche to Die For
Car Carrier Loaded with Vintage Porsches Hit by Train
Train Wreck Damages 20 Porsche 997s
[Source: Google News Alert Service, GlobalMotors.net, SunSentinal]
I don’t think the numbers are up; they are just more popular as the web spreads the (bad) news quicker and farther every day.
BTW, that’s a Turbo in Florida that the druggie was driving, not a GT2 – read the whole story if you get a chance. Heartbreaking for the people he hit (and their families) and nauseating that he wasn’t in jail for his previous driving “infraction.”
Dave
Hey Dave,
Thanks for the correction (GT2 vs. Turbo). I’ve seen it reported as both. I’ve been following the story pretty closely as I’m here in Ft. Lauderdale for the winter and it’s all over the news.
I read a story out of Chicago yesterday where he claims not to have been driving and that the DNA proof (from the airbag) will show this… Here’s a link to an even more recent article with additional info
http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/juice/2009/03/search_warrant_released_in_a1a.php
Regardless, tragic and horrible accident and my heart goes out to the families of the two men who were killed.
>> I subscribe to a number of different news services that update me on things happening in the world of Porsche
As a still-new Porsche owner (’96 993, purchased in July), I am constantly trying to learn as much as I can about our beloved cars. Would it be possible (if the mods allow, of course) to share the other Porsche news services you subscribe to?
Thanks!
@DaveM,
If you want to send me an email address I’ll be happy to send you some more info. You can reach me via the contact page here on PorschePurist.com or leave another comment with your email address.
I don’t know that accidents are on the rise necessarily. I’ve kind of chalked it up to being more aware of Porsche-related accidents. The more news sources you follow, the greater the chances you’re going to see an accident that involves a Porsche. Plus I agree with Dave, I think some of them become high profile news items so we see them everywhere for days on end.
I suppose statistically speaking, it would be safe to assume, though, that accidents involving Porsches would be on the rise since we have more Porsches on the road than ever before.
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