Some people might say flying cars are the future. The same people would probably say accidents that cause cars to fly are not the future. To take flight, a car usually needs to travel at fast speeds. Unfortunately, traveling at speeds fast enough to propel cars into the air is incredibly dangerous. However, speeding is not the only thing that can cause accidents. Distracted driving, such as texting and eating, also causes a fair number of accidents. Additionally, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents. So, what happens when distracted or impaired drivers start speeding? Apparently, the answer is flying cars.

An accident sent a car flying into power lines

In Yuba City, California, a truck’s dashcam captured a car that flew over a highway and crashed on the road below. According to the New York Post, the car also flew through power lines, and incredibly, did not hit them. Brian Conejo, who worked at Mechanical and Irrigation Solutions and watched the accident on the company’s surveillance cameras, said the car “pretty much threaded the needle between the power lines.” According to the report, the car had been involved in a hit and run before its flight through power lines and looked to have been going 80 to 100 mph in a 25 mph zone. Incredibly, the driver only suffered minor injuries. 

Another car crahs sent a vehicle into a second-floor dental office

In 2018, in Santa Ana, California, a white Nissan Altima flew through the air and crashed into the second story of a building. The Altima hit a median, and due to the excessive speed with which the car hit the median, it vaulted into the air and a dental office on the second floor, narrowly missing a bus. Luckily, it happened early Saturday morning, and the dental office was not open. According to Popular Mechanics, who dubbed it possibly “the weirdest car crash ever,” the driver might have been taking some narcotics, which may have led to the dramatic accident. Thankfully, the car did not hit any other vehicles, and the driver and passenger only suffered minor injuries.

What does Twitter have to say about these car crashes?

As per usual, Twitter provided some outstanding comments. One user almost immediately compared it to The Dukes of Hazzard, with a great GIF of ‘(The) General Lee’ flying through the air. Another user commented that “driving in Orange County is always an adventure,” while several users made dental-inspired jokes, including “that dentist office now has a cavity,” “was he late for an appointment?” and “must’ve really needed those molars checked out.” Other users pointed out, “he may take a few moments to hose off the seat,” and “pretty sure everyone on that bus could use a moist towelette after passing by that” or “perhaps some defibrillating paddles.”

As entertaining as these Twitter comments are, the reality is that both of these accidents could have had disastrous results. Both involved high speeds and one possibly involved drug use. The best way to avoid these accidents, and any accident, is to drive responsibly. Never drive under the influence of any substance such as alcohol or drugs. With the abundance of rideshare options available, there is no reason anyone should need to drive while impaired.

Additionally, always observe speed limits on the road. Speed limits are not arbitrary numbers, and they are based on recommendations of traffic engineers and discussions with members of the public. Always pay attention to your surroundings and never text while driving. Additionally, no matter how late you are for a dentist appointment, never take a shortcut through the side of the building.