As far as jobs go, being a test driver for Porsche would have to be one of the coolest ones out there. Driving highly-desirable lumps of Teutonic engineering at speed all day would be one heck of a way to make a living; unfortunately, it’s not without its dangers.

An accident involving a next-gen 911 Cabrio development mule unfortunately claimed the life of a 51 year-old veteran test driver, illustrating that no matter your age or experience, accidents can and do happen.

The driver was reportedly testing the car late at night and at high speed on a derestricted section of the Autobahn. The driver, who had over 25 years vehicle-testing experience, reportedly then lost control and slid underneath a guard-rail, sustaining fatal injuries.

It’s unclear whether driver error, mechanical failure or something as simple as a patch of ice are to blame for the accident. Whatever the cause, our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased. Stay safe on the roads, people.