"Jackass" Star Dies In Drunk Driving Accident

Ryan Dunn a famous reality television celebrity known for being a member of 'Jackass' was killed, along with his passenger, in a drunk driving accident. On June 20, 2011 at 3:30 a.m. According to the New York Times , Dunn and Zachary Hartwell died when Dunn's car came off the road and hit a tree. Dunn's alcohol level was measured at 0.196%, twice the legal limit. It was reported that Dunn was traveling 135 miles per hour, almost triple the 55 mph speed limit. With drunk driving and speeding being the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents, it should come as no surprise that Ryan Dunn died in this accident. However, his fellow passenger was also a victim of this crash. This accident should serve as a reminder to never ride as a passenger in a motor vehicle operated by someone who has been drinking.

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the U.S. among people the ages of 5-34. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 2.3 million drivers and passengers were treated in motor vehicle related crashes in 2009. Alarmingly, 40% of the deaths resulting from such accidents involved alcohol. In addition to speeding, distracted driving and reckless driving, drunk driving is a leading cause of fatalities on our roadways.