http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/Antispanking_bill_dropped/20070227-084424-1292r/

SACRAMENTO, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The California Highway Patrol says a deadly head-on crash north of Sacramento was likely caused by a man at the wheel working on his laptop computer.

The crash occurred Monday morning on Highway 99 and involved a 28-year-old man in a Toyota Corolla who apparently lost control of his car and swerved into oncoming traffic, The Sacramento Bee reported Tuesday.

One driver told CHP investigators he swerved and avoided the Toyota, which then struck an oncoming Hummer. The couple in the Hummer was treated and released for minor injuries but the Toyota driver was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

"We have reason to believe he was operating his laptop because it was still on and plugged into the cigarette lighter," said CHP Cmdr. Scott Silsbee.

The highway was closed for more than two hours for debris removal.

Submitted on 02/27/2007

Submitted by: John Scrivens
Reference: UPI. Feb. 27, 2007

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Thanks, John! Well, folks, the stupid among us have once again raised the bar! Driving while talking on cel-phones and driving while putting on makeup have been done and are PLENTY stupid, but there's ALWAYS someone stupider who will INVENT a new way to make driving more dangerous! DA, says I! It also makes me glad that I drive a light truck. You never know how many of these computer-drivers are out there, and I'd rather walk away from such an accident as did the surviving couple in the Hummer!

Chip said:
Definitely Toss: Bystanders Hurt
Have to toss this one due to bystanders being hurt, but this is the first time I have heard of a crash from a laptop being used while driving. Cell phones, lipstick, reading newspapers, etc all too common. Was this idiot trying to send email? Thanks for sending it John

Graham said:
Maybe Toss: Other
Hmm, not sure about this one. My laptop was always in my truck and ON while I travelled. That doesn't mean I was actually USING it, does it? Someone has leaped to a conclusion here it seems. Thanks, John

Tracy said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I think it's 1 step up from using a phone, or putting on mascara.... but I would need to be convinced that he WAS using the laptop - like it was on his knee or something

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I'm going to vote neutral, at teast until we can find whether the driver was actually using his laptop while driving.

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