Some say ignorance is bliss, but ignorance can also make you appear prejudiced, uninformed, and just plain stupid. Unfortunately, ignorance can, at times, run rampant in American society, and there are few recent events that illustrate this more clearly than the death of Jackass-star Ryan Dunn.

The deaths of him and his passenger, friend Zachary Hartwell, in a tragic car accident early Sunday morning in southeastern Pennsylvania quickly became one of the hottest topics in the media, particularly on the Internet. As news of his death spread, so did a controversy that has come to eclipse most of the factual details of the accident and since spiraled out of control. Shortly before the accident, Dunn posted a picture of himself and friends having a drink at a local bar not far from where the fatal accident occurred. This lone picture prompted a firestorm of criticism about Dunn’s decision to drink and drive.

The crucial piece of evidence missing from this supposed lesson about the dangers of driving drunk? Any proof that Dunn’s driving was actually impaired by alcohol. According to the coroner’s report, which stated that Dunn and Hartwell died as a result of blunt and thermal trauma, results from toxicology tests providing evidence as to whether or not Dunn was impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident are not due back for several weeks¹. Why then are there a shocking number of blog posts, social networking site blurbs, and opinions about lessons to be learned from Dunn’s death? And what on earth prompted Roger Ebert to tweet something as insensitive as “friends don’t let jackasses drink and drive” just hours after the accident?

Given the reality of the situation, which is that no one yet knows the amount of alcohol present in Dunn’s system at the time of his death, it seems that all of this speculation and insensitivity can only come from crass assumptions and ignorance.

From information given by those present at the bar with Dunn before the fatal accident, he spent several hours at the establishment having a few drinks with friends, but did not seem impaired as he headed for his car. Having a few drinks with friends over several hours does not imply with any certainty that he was actually drunk at the time of the accident. Dunn’s blood alcohol level would have depended on a number of factors—how many total drinks he consumed, the type of alcohol consumed, and the total period of time he spent at the bar before getting in his car. The legal limit for BAC (blood alcohol content) in Pennsylvania is .08%; therefore, if your blood alcohol level is .08% or higher while driving in the state of Pennsylvania, you are legally “intoxicated” and liable for a DUI.

It is quite possible that Dunn was, in fact, driving while intoxicated. And if the results of the toxicology tests show that Dunn’s BAC was .08% or greater, alcohol could be ruled a factor in his and his passenger’s deaths. But we do not have the results yet. It is also possible that Dunn’s BAC was less than .08%. Under those circumstances, according to the legal definition of intoxication in Pennsylvania, Dunn would have not been drunk driving. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could show a little respect for Dunn, Hartwell, their families and friends, and the belief in innocence until proven guilty and wait for the results of the toxicology tests before jumping to conclusions about his decision to “drink and drive”?

Regardless of whether or not Dunn was driving while impaired by alcohol, his and Hartwell’s deaths are tragic tales of life cut short. And during this period directly following the accident, we should be sending condolences to the families and friends they left behind, instead of passing judgment and spreading potentially false “lessons” about their decisions at that fateful moment. If Roger Ebert was in an accident after being photographed holding one drink while socializing with friends, would we automatically assume that his judgment was impaired by alcohol? Or are we letting perceptions of the on-screen image of Ryan Dunn color our judgment of his personal decisions off-screen? We should be discerning of our opinions and cognizant of our biases before we let our imaginations rule over reason.

There is no excuse for driving drunk or under the influence of any other mind-altering substance. Driving at an excessive rate of speed can be just as dangerous. Wear your seat-belt. Do not talk on your cell phone or text while driving. These are all good, sensible pieces of advice for operating a motor vehicle no matter the situation or individual. Another piece of good advice? Think critically. Consider your words and actions before speaking or doing. Ignorance does not bring bliss; ignorance only attests to a lack of critical thinking, proper information, and good judgment.

-Lucille

¹http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/celebrity/124238734.html