Ryan Dunn
Steven Green (L), the director of "Gumball 3000 - The Movie," cast member Ryan Dunn (C) and Maximillion Cooper, who launched "Gumball 3000" in 1999, ham it up for photographers during the premiere of the film at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, February 19, 2004. Narrated by actor Burt Reynolds, "Gumball 3000 - The Movie" is a real-life version of the cult-classic 70's "Cannonball Run" films, shot over a six-day period from San Francisco to Miami. REUTERS/Jim Ruymen

Ryan Dunn, star of Jackass, likely sped his way to death.

The police said their preliminary investigation revealed that speed may have been a contributing factor to the accident.

Now, TMZ is reporting that Dunn was going 130 mph when he crashed his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3. At that speed, the likelihood of accidents is increased whether he was drunk or sober. (Dunn might have been drunk at the time because he tweeted a photo of himself drinking only hours before).

Dunn's car veered out of control, went off the road, blew through the road's guardrail, crashed into a tree, and burst into flames.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said going at high speeds increases the chances of accidents. One, it gives drivers less time to react to dangers. Two, once the driver reacts to the danger and brakes, it takes longer for the vehicle to come to a stop.

Moreover, high speed renders many of safety guards ineffective. It makes safety-belts and airbags insufficient to fully protect the driver. It also trumps road barriers and crash cushions. In Dunn's case, he crashed through the guardrail and it may or may not have mattered if he was wearing a seat belt.

Excessive speed is the primary cause of about 30 percent of fatal car crashes. (Drunk driving is the primary cause of another 30 percent of fatal crashes). About 75 percent of fatal highway crashes involve vehicles exceeding 55 mph.

April Margera, mother of Dunn's long-time friend Bam Margera, said Dunn drove too fast and I yelled at him all the time about that, reported Examiner.com.