Unusual motor vehicle suicides

Abstract

A review was undertaken of cases in which motor vehicles were used to commit suicide. While the most common methods involved carbon monoxide toxicity or the sustaining of multiple injuries, three unusual cases were found involving: (i) hanging from a car seat belt, (ii) self immolation inside a car, and (iii) setting up a crash situation. The latter two cases were used as a backup to drug overdose. Problems that may occur in determining the manner of death are described.