On February 23, 2007, Tiger Woods was driving a 2007 Lexus LS 430 when he crashed near his Rolling Hills home. The sequence of events that followed drew intense media scrutiny and raised questions about vehicle performance, driver behavior, and personal privacy.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the car involved, the crash details, legal outcomes, and common questions from the public, all based on documented reports and court records.
| Category | Details | Source / Evidence | Impact on Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Make & Model | 2007 Lexus LS 430 | Law enforcement crash report | Confirmed by official investigation |
| Date of Incident | February 23, 2007 | Police dispatch logs | Established timeline for lawsuits |
| Location | Residential road near Rolling Hills, California | 911 call transcripts | Context for speed and collision severity |
| Blood Alcohol Level | 0.012 g/dL | Toxicology report | Below legal limit, but still scrutinized |
| Legal Outcome | No DUI charge; settled with privacy lawsuit | Court filings, 2008 settlement | Avoided criminal charge, paid damages |
Vehicle Specifications and Safety Features
2007 Lexus LS 430 Key Specs
The car Tiger Woods was driving was a 2007 Lexus LS 430, a full-size luxury sedan. It came with a 3.3-liter V6 producing 230 horsepower and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, stability control, multiple airbags, and anti-lock brakes.
These safety systems were advanced for the time and designed to help prevent loss of control. The presence of stability control is particularly relevant, as it could have intervened during the skid that led to the crash.
Crash Details and Police Investigation
What the Reports Show
According to the Rolling Hills Police Department report, Woods lost control on a curved section of his property. The car struck a wall and a tree, causing significant damage to the front passenger side. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and speed appeared to be a contributing factor based on skid mark analysis.
The investigation noted that Woods was not under the influence of alcohol at the time, but prescription medication was later identified as a possible factor in impaired reaction. The case was closed without DUI charges, but the findings fueled ongoing debate about driver responsibility and vehicle telemetry.
Legal Outcome and Settlement
Privacy Lawsuit and Resolution
Tiger Woods reached a confidential settlement with the City of Rolling Hills in 2008 over the handling of his blood sample after the crash. The city and medical provider agreed to pay damages after Woods argued that his privacy rights were violated when samples were mishandled.
Although no criminal charges were filed, the legal battle highlighted how public figures manage personal crises under media scrutiny. The settlement underscored the importance of proper evidence handling and patient privacy in DUI-related investigations, even when BAC levels are low.
Key Takeaways
- Tiger Woods was driving a 2007 Lexus LS 430 during his high-profile 2007 crash.
- His blood alcohol level was below the legal limit, but prescription drugs were a factor.
- The vehicle’s safety features were advanced, but driver error led to the loss of control.
- No DUI charges were filed, though a privacy lawsuit resulted in a settlement.
- The case highlighted media scrutiny and legal complexities for public figures.
FAQ
Reader questions
Was Tiger Woods driving under the influence during the crash?
No. Toxicology reports showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.012 g/dL, which is below the legal limit. However, prescription drugs were involved and may have affected his driving ability.
What type of car was Tiger Woods driving in the crash?
He was driving a 2007 Lexus LS 430, a full-size luxury sedan equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine and advanced safety features such as stability control and adaptive cruise control.
Did the car malfunction or contribute to the crash?
There was no evidence of mechanical failure. Investigations concluded that loss of control resulted from driver error, possibly influenced by medication, rather than a defect in the Lexus LS 430.
What legal consequences did Tiger Woods face after the crash?
Woods avoided DUI charges but settled a privacy lawsuit with the City of Rolling Hills in 2008. The settlement addressed improper handling of his blood sample and included financial compensation.