Dale Earnhardt - his "fault"?

[KarlaB]

Let me start out by saying I do not think his death was his "fault".

While standing in line today at the store I heard some people behind me discussing the loss of Dale Earnhardt. One commented flippantly that, "It is horrible, but he knew the risk and it's one that you take with a job like that just like a fireman, paramedic, policeman.... He knew the risks and thrived on the thrill." The whole tone of their conversation and the comments caught me off guard and just got me to thinking. They just acted like he was to blame for his death and although I didn't say anything it bothered me.

I feel like many daily things could be looked at as taking a risk. Everytime we get in our cars don't we essentially take a "risk" that we could get in an accident? So does that mean if someone else ran into me and I was killed that my death was my fault because I knew the risks of driving a car? Or should that it make it easier for my family because I knew the possibility/risk of being involved in a car accident? Does it make it any less tragic if we can place blame on the person killed? Granted this is a completely different scanario and driving down the street and racing are two totally different things, but everything in life has a degree of risk in it. And, yes a fireman or policeman knows the risks of his profession, but does that mean if he was killed in the line of duty that it should be a little easier to accept because "he knew the risks"?

Any opinions on this?? I left the store feeling sad for the comments that I heard and that people seem so quick to judge and place blame after such a tragic accident. :(

[angie r]

I feel that getting into some accident, like you or I getting into our vans really equals to getting into a race car and driving 200 miles an hour 2 inches from another car going 201. I think there are certain risks involved in peoples jobs. I don't think it makes his death any less sad, just less surprising.

[Linda/NE]

I wonder if the people commenting were referring to the reports that he didn't use the safety gear that was recommended. Last night I heard that even if he had been wearing it, it wouldn't have made a difference, but this morning another news station said that it could have.

One thing I've noticed is that when a celebrity (or someone famous in some way) dies in a questionable situation (accident, drug overdose,etc.)he/she is either made into a hero and put on a pedestal, or the reputation is torn to shreds. Sometimes opposing groups end up doing both.

People will judge, it's human nature I guess. I think the only reason these things are being reported on is to let the public know that improving safety of race car drivers is being looked at again.

[AnnW]

I don't think it's judgemental to comment that a RACE CAR driver knew the possibility of getting killed in a CAR accident was high, anymore so than if it was a pilot in a plane crash, a mountain climber in an avalanche, sky diver....ect. There are inherant risks involved in these fields and the people involved in these fields are very aware of the risks. Does it mean that the DESERVE to die? I don't believe that.

[RCT]

Originally posted by AnnW
I don't think it's judgemental to comment that a RACE CAR driver knew the possibility of getting killed in a CAR accident was high, anymore so than if it was a pilot in a plane crash, a mountain climber in an avalanche, sky diver....ect. There are inherant risks involved in these fields and the people involved in these fields are very aware of the risks. Does it mean that the DESERVE to die? I don't believe that.


I agree

[KarlaB]

I don't necessarily think it is judgmental either to comment that he knew the risks of an accident were high, but the *tone* of those I overheard seemed to be one of, "Oh well, he knew the risks. He should have known better. He chose to race...." That is what I find disturbing. :(

[AnnW]

Originally posted by KarlaB
I don't necessarily think it is judgmental either to comment that he knew the risks of an accident were high, but the *tone* of those I overheard seemed to be one of, "Oh well, he knew the risks. He should have known better. He chose to race...." That is what I find disturbing. :(

yeah, not hearing the tone would make a difference.

[Lynda/WA]

I've also heard people say it was his *fault* and that he deserved it. This was a topic on a radio show on Tuesday. I think it wasn't a surprise since there are risks. At the same time there are surprisingly few deaths in Race car Driving (at least at that level).
I don't think he deserved this or that it was his fault (unless there is info we don't know about yet). Perhaps this will entice other drivers to wear the safety equipment even if it is debateable whether it would have helped.
My mom was in a car accident 20 years ago while not wearing a seatbelt. The police told her that if the had been wearing it she would have been skewered by the steering wheel and died (it went to the back seat). Even so she began insisting we all wear seatbelts.

[MAS]

Whether or not the safety gear would have saved his life or not, he knew what he was doing was very dangerous. I feel the man died doing something he loved... not saying he WANTED to die this way, but it was his life. I feel sorry for the family.

Everytime I get on our motorcycle I think "what if we get into an accident". I have a true love for riding and although we are very safe while riding I feel that if my life it taken this way then that would be okay with me. Sounds crazy I am sure especially having a 3 year old daughter, but we can't stop ourselves from being adventurous and doing the things that make our lives complete.

[AnnW]

LOVE your quote!!!! It is hysterical!
btw..welcome to IB!