Bethaney Lawton, 20, was not wearing a seat belt when her car crashed into a Cingular Wireless building shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday, officer Thomas Richmond said.

"She was on a cell phone, talking to a friend," Richmond said. "She told her friend, 'I'm about to get into an accident.' ... The friend heard the crash, the phone went dead."

Lawton swerved to avoid a utility pole, crossed into the oncoming lane and crashed into the building, Richmond said.

The car was three-fourths into the building, and it took 20 minutes to free her from the wreckage, according to Fire Chief Leonard Hunt. She died while undergoing surgery at Boston Medical Center.

Police said Lawton was alone in her car after dropping off a friend in Bridgewater. She was studying to be an EMT at Massasoit Community College. (AP)

http://www.msnbc.com/local/whdh/MA28803.asp

Submitted on 11/03/2003

Submitted by: Neil Judell
Reference: Boston WHDH 11/3/03

Copyright © 2003 DarwinAwards.com

Charles said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Traffic accidents are too common for inclusion unless they are truly exceptional. I think that an EMT student who doesn't wear her seat belt definitely raises this a few notches; and one who drives and talks on the cell at the same time, knowing how many cell-related accidents there are out there... well, she's raised herself a few notches above the common herd.

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
A better account with more information and more humor: "I'm about to get into an accident ..." CRASH! Let the readers decide.

Daniel said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
An EMT student not wearing a seat belt! This version meets all the requirements, plus the poetic justice. I love it.

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