2009 Honorable Mentions

The stupidity displayed by the participants in the following tales stops short of the ultimate Darwin Awards sacrifice. Nevertheless, we salute the spirit and innovation of their misadventures.

License to Spill 2009 Honorable Mention Confirmed True by Darwin (4 March 2009, New Jersey) Traffic officer Michael Trotter responded to assist the Newark Fire Department with a man who had suffered injuries from a crash--while driving a motorized barstool! The man claimed that his lawnmower-barstool hybrid could reach speeds of 38 mph on its five-horsepower engine, but he was traveling a sedate 20 mph when he rolled and crashed while making a turn. Although under the speed limit, he was over the drink limit. During a police interview at the hospital, he allegedly admitted to drinking "about fifteen beers." When numbers reach the double digits, it's hard to be exact. The driver was issued a citation for operating a vehicle (classified as "all others") while intoxicated, and driving with a suspended license--presumably the motivation behind his motorized creation. He pleaded not guilty, demanding a jury trial. If the 28-year-old inventor wants to drive a hybrid, he should consider a Prius--once he earns the right to operate a motor vehicle on public roads again. ORIGINAL SUBMISSION DarwinAwards.com © 1994 - 2009 Submitted by: Mike Durthaler Reference: Newark Advocate, Boston Globe Awful? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Great? Hate it! Love it!

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