A Ford Mustang convertible is a fantastic way to enjoy California's scenic roads, but it's not designed for waterways. According to the California Highway Patrol's Solano office, a Mustang driver recently learned that the hard way after sending his S197-generation pony car into the water while traveling westbound on State Route 37 near Sonoma Raceway.
Authorities say the driver had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.25 percent, which is more than three times the legal limit in California. The driver claimed he swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway, causing him to leave the pavement and end up in the water. However, an eyewitness reported seeing the driver asleep after the Mustang came to rest in the water, contradicting the driver's version of events.
View Price on AmazonFortunately, no one was injured during the incident. The driver was safely rescued by the Vallejo Fire Department before being taken into custody. The rescue itself may have been the most unusual part of the entire story, with photos released by the CHP showing a ladder stretched across the water to reach the stranded Mustang. The driver was required to climb across it to return to dry land, creating a strange sobriety-test-like obstacle course.
Once safely back on shore, the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The CHP is using the crash to encourage drivers to plan ahead if they intend to drink, whether that means using a ridesharing service, calling a taxi, or designating a sober driver. The good news is that the driver survived the incident, but the bad news is that his Mustang got a taste of swimming – and it wasn’t particularly good at it.
Source: roadandtrack.com
