Karen (not her real name) was a friend of mine who loved lost causes and contrarian beliefs; she was college-educated and quite intelligent. She had a good sense of humor and was a good friend to many people.

One of her most cherished principles was that governments should have only the most limited authority over individuals. When mandatory seatbelt laws were passed, Karen refused point-blank to wear one, although she allowed her husband to make his own choice and to choose for their three year-old daughter. She had her own excellent reasons, and could not be dissuaded.

I'm sure you've guessed the sad ending; on a holiday trip, her husband lost control of the car on an icy road. Karen was thrown from the car and killed; her husband and daughter survived.

I felt really bad for her husband; however, I knew that he should not feel guilty. Sliding on the ice can happen to anyone; he was a careful driver. But once Karen made up her mind, she could not be moved. I myself argued with her on this subject, to no avail.

This should come under the category of "over-evolved intelligence" or something like that. This really is a case of someone reasoning themselves to death.

Anyway, I've read your site since the mid-nineties. Lots of the stories are funny to read - obviously, this one isn't. However, maybe if someone like Karen reads this story, there might be one fewer candidate for the Darwin Award.

Submitted on 03/05/2006

Submitted by: Frank
Reference: 1990's

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Since you're sumitting this as a personal account, I do think the readers should have a look. Even though she wasn't driving the car and skidding on ice is plain bad luck, the fact that she REFUSED to wear a seat belt pretty much ensured that at SOME point, she would be injured or killed when (not if) an accident were to happen. Fortunately, none of the "bystanders" were hurt, or we'd have to automatically disqualify this! Thanks, Frank!

Sheryl said:
Neutral: Personal Account
What James said. Actually, I find it pure stupidity, not intelligence, to not wear a seat belt. I don't care what her reasons were.

Jorge said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account