Ok, I don’t what level of Dumb one has to be in order to do what’s pictured in the attached photograph, but it measures equally with such calamity favorites as: putting a butter knife in an electrical outlet, picking a fight with a raving maniac or the time-honored playing in traffic.

This photograph was taken just outside of my home today around 5 PM through a screen window. Notice that it is raining outside, as indicated by the gray cloud cover and the guy with the raincoat.

If you look carefully, this guy seems to be making an attempt to jumpstart the VW Jetta on the right. The connector wire between the two cars pictured, however, is a simple household electrical extension cord with the end cut off and the wires exposed.

One thing you can’t know by simply looking at the picture is that the impetus behind making this attempt to ‘fix’ or ‘jump’ the Jetta, was that the burglar car alarm was going off repeatedly. This is something a good friend of mine, who knows about these things, told me often results from the, shall we say, “ghetto” installation of crap-o stereo systems. The alarm is tied into this and often halts or tampers with automotive electrical power.

I guess if the stereo were installed properly, none of this would have happened in the first place. But of course, it takes one utterly stupid action to promote another, so what do I know.

Submitted on 04/04/2006

Submitted by: Stephen Wozniak
Reference:

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Maybe Toss: Lacks Excellence
While we DO appreciate the time you took to submit this, Stephen, I'm not sure where you're going with it. More importantly, there IS no accompanying picture. If you'd like to attempt a re-write as a personal account (rather than just an observation), feel free, as this may have potential as a PA!

Sheryl said:
Maybe Toss: Other
Thanks for taking the time to submit the story, Stephen. Errr ... what photo? I can sort of see where you're going with this. Dumb + Dumb = Potential DA but ... as James says, re-writing it as a PA might give it a better chance.

Jorge said:
Maybe Toss: Other

Jack said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Even without a picture, the description calls for a PA at least! Trying to jumpstart a car in the rain is one thing. Using a household extention cord to do so is another! I'm curious, Stephen, I have this sudden image of a flash of light with the idiot's skeleton silhouetted. Did he survive?

Tracy said:
Neutral: Personal Account
I'm with Jack on this one - it could be written better for a PA, despite not seeing the photo

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4