When a person uses the excuse of “brake failure” for a crash, typically they are to blame for not making their vehicle or themselves road worthy. But, when it is Lindsey Lohan tries to do a Jane Mansfield into the back of a dump truck, it is never her fault.
Lohan claims she was cut off and nothing happened when she hit the brakes. She also claims the vehicle brakes for her leased Porsche were replaced two days before the accident.
Before they start to send in the drug sniffing dogs, lets look at the facts.
The Car
Lohan’s car looks to be a 2011 Porsche 911 Targa 4 with the standard brake package. The car came with 13.4″ rotors in the front and 13″ rotors in the rear. As far as replacement rotors and pads, there are no cheap aftermarket alternatives at this time.
The system has an advanced stability control system that should have allowed her to brake and change lanes at the same time. Some magazines have been able to go from 60-0mph in less than 111 feet in this vehicle.
Checking the NHTSA’s ODI database, it revealed no incidents of brake failure or recalls issued by Porsche about the brake system. A TSB search revealed no TSBs concerning the brake system.
The Porsche 911 does have a black box that does record data including declaration, brake pedal position and corrective actions taken by the ESC system. The California Highway Patrol can read the data.
If the brakes were service in the 48 hours, it would be difficult for a technician to make mistake that would lead to brake failure. The only plausible explanation for the failure would be if the retaining pin that holds the pads in place came loose. This is extremely rare and almost impossible.
What Really Happened?
Looking at the damage, this is nothing more than the case of a distracted driver hitting the back of another vehicle. The Porsche 911 she was driving has almost twice the braking and handling ability of most vehicles on the roads. But, the driver can only use it if they are paying attention. I am sure the CHP will be performing a full investigation over the next few weeks.