A 22-year-old Nelson man is seriously ill in Christchurch Hospital after a 'car surfing' incident in North Canterbury.

The man had his trousers down and was mooning other vehicles from the roof when he fell at a speed of at least 80kmh.

Police today showed 3 News the 20m trail Kane Heal left after sliding face-first along State Highway 7.

He had been climbing on top of a Nissan Skyline driven by his girlfriend.

"We believe that about 10km from where we are standing he again climbed on to the roof of the car, sitting on top of it at stages with his pants down mooning other cars as they were passing him," says Senior Constable Chris Hughey.

Police say Mr Heal had been drinking home brew and vodka mixed with lemonade. He was first spotted on the car's roof 90km north of the accident site.

"We are trying our hardest to keep the road toll down and you get an idiot like this," says Mr Hughey. "The only way to describe him really is an idiot, riding on top of a car doing this. We've got better things to do."

Mr Heal and girlfriend Leslie Whitaker were travelling from Nelson to Christchurch. The accident happened about 15km north of the Hanmer Springs turn-off.

"We had two ambulances, Westpac (Rescue Helicopter), two police cars, our own fire service from Hanmer, another four or five cars stopped," says Mr Hughey. "It's a waste of time and government money."

Car surfing, which is riding on a moving car, was in the news recently when an off-duty officer in Queenstown snapped pictures of a youth clinging to a mobile car.

That man escaped injury – Mr Heal and his girlfriend have learnt the hard way.

"Both have committed offences and will be charged accordingly," says Mr Hughey.

Mr Heal underwent surgery to the face in Christhchurch Hospital this morning. He is now reported in a serious condition in the intensive-care unit.

Submitted on 10/19/2008

Submitted by: Jeremy Wilson
Reference: TV3 News October 19 2008

Copyright © 2008 DarwinAwards.com

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
Oh-kay. Car-surfing is common, but doing it _on the roof_ and mooning (as in pants around knees-to-ankles?!) other cars while doing it?! This guy definitely gave a shot at upping the ante on idiocy! Thanks, Jeremy!

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
car surfing + 80kph + mooning = Darwin contender in my book. Thanks, Jeremy!

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