Ore. Lawyer: Car Sped, Not

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) - A Portland attorney who blamed his German

luxury car for a speeding ticket was told he was responsible, not

the automaker.

Akin Blitz said he was just trying to get ahead of a line of

cars following a motorhome over a mountain pass on U.S. Highway 26.

But Akin said he had no idea his BMW 535xi was going 76 mph in a

55 mph zone because of its handling characteristics.

Akin buttressed his arguments with a PowerPoint presentation and

testimony from a mechanic.

But Clatsop County Circuit Judge Philip Nelson fined Blitz $182

and told him he was not only speeding, he ignored the risk of

hitting wildlife that frequently cross the road.

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Information from: The Daily Astorian,

http://www.dailyastorian.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-06-20-09 1359EDT