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Two killed in wrong-way Prius collision

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by zenMachine, Sep 7, 2007.

  1. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    The driver of the Chevy pickup was a U.S. Border Patrol agent in his 30s who was driving home from his shift at the Campo station, according to the California Highway Patrol. The other vehicle, a Toyota Prius driven by a woman in her 20s, was traveling eastbound in the highway's westbound lanes at more than 100 mph just before hitting the truck, witnesses told the CHP.

    Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office said. Authorities said the man was wearing a seat belt, but the woman apparently was not...

    http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/14064965/detail.html
     
  2. rfred

    rfred New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Sep 7 2007, 09:39 AM) [snapback]508532[/snapback]</div>
    A terrible tragedy for the people involved, but where is the relevance?
     
  3. Winston

    Winston Member

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    I guess the relevance is that even a Prius cannot protect you in a 100mph collision when you don't wear a seatbelt.
     
  4. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Winston @ 2007 09 07 08:05) [snapback]508538[/snapback]</div>
    Especially if you're driving on the wrong side of the freeway. Was it suicide?
     
  5. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Sep 7 2007, 08:11 AM) [snapback]508542[/snapback]</div>
    nope idiotcide
     
  6. ny biker

    ny biker Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Winston @ Sep 7 2007, 11:05 AM) [snapback]508538[/snapback]</div>
    I think the message is that even a chevy pickup and a seatbelt can't protect you when you get hit by a car going 100 mph.
     
  7. rudiger

    rudiger Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rfred @ Sep 7 2007, 10:57 AM) [snapback]508535[/snapback]</div>
    A Prius, a car known for high fuel economy (not performance) was involved and estimated to be doing 100 mph at the time of impact.

    It doesn't sound like the Prius driver was going for maximum fuel economy but, rather, maximum impact force. Considering that the other driver was probably moving along at a good clip, as well, that objective was probably achieved.
     
  8. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    I find it curious that "witnesses" reported that the Prius was travelling in excess of 100mph. How could anyone determine that? At 2:30am? Of course, according to Toyota, the maximum speed a Prius can sustain is 103mph.

    I wonder if the car's blackbox contains the crash info and has been retrieved.
     
  9. justlurkin

    justlurkin Señor Member

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    I thought the incessant warning beeping if you aren't wearing your seatbelt would drive you nuts well before you reach 100mph in the Prius. :p

    Maybe that woman was hearing-impaired or something.
     
  10. RobertG

    RobertG New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JustLurkin @ Sep 7 2007, 08:54 AM) [snapback]508579[/snapback]</div>
    Or she found out how to disable the seat belt warning beep before that high-speed ride.
     
  11. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JustLurkin @ Sep 7 2007, 08:54 AM) [snapback]508579[/snapback]</div>
    Or related to one of these pilots.
     
  12. Topgas

    Topgas New Member

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    Happens every day.............still very sad for both.
     
  13. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    FYI.

    It wasn't me.
     
  14. PriuStorm

    PriuStorm Senior Member

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    Couldn't she just have clipped the seat belt into the receiver and then sat down on top of it?
     
  15. Katebell1977

    Katebell1977 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Sep 7 2007, 07:24 AM) [snapback]508552[/snapback]</div>

    i am betting it was retrieved. or if it has not had a warrant for it yet, it will. i read that warning in my manual. funny thing is, I was on a speech and debate team for my jc and i won my trophies in informative speaking on what topic? The automotive black box. No kidding and won first place. After my 2 yr old starts kindergartin i am going back to school so i can be a lawyer. :) I love to argue :D i wont here though i promise.

    But seriously, if it has not been retrieved it certainly will by authorities and/or toyota. I am betting the chick was drunk
     
  16. Earthling

    Earthling New Member

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    Why was "Prius" a part of the headline?

    Oh, it's those evil hybrid drivers. They skeer us. Watch out for them.

    Harry
     
  17. rudiger

    rudiger Active Member

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    Here's a photo of the Prius driver, Shayne Rae Leatherwood, behind the wheel of her 2007 Prius:

    [​IMG]

    In the biography section of her iSounds page, she stated, "I found weed and alcohol and other ways to entertain and medicate myself... " and ends with "Live for today - For you might not see tomorrow." That sure came true.
     
  18. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Sad news indeed. I always cringe when someone dies due to the carelessness of another.

    I'll admit I did find some of your responses quite funny though.
     
  19. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Bye, Shayne. Sorry to see you go.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KateBell1977 @ 2007 09 08 07:04) [snapback]509032[/snapback]</div>
    Oh, you're no fun at all. ;)
     
  20. acdii

    acdii Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Sep 7 2007, 10:16 AM) [snapback]508544[/snapback]</div>
    Best response ever!