Examines the medical, mechanical, & psychiatric factors preceding 25 consecutive fatal crashes in Houston, Texas. Compared to randomly selected control, the crash victims had a higher incidence of personality disorders, more precipitating stresses, & more alcohol use. In only 3 cases were mechanical problems a factor, while 92% of fatalities involved abnormal mental states. In 12 of the 25 cases, the drivers had communicated suicidal intent prior to the crash. (7 refs.) (RM)