Opinion ID: 2222973
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Defendant complains the evidence was insufficient to make out a case of recklessness under the guest statute. Section 321.494, The Code, provides:

Text: Guest statute. The owner or operator of a motor vehicle shall not be liable for any damages to any passenger or person riding in said motor vehicle as a guest or by invitation and not for hire unless damage is caused as a result of the    reckless operation by [the driver] of such motor vehicle. Defendant argues the only evidence of recklessness was speed, and cites our earlier cases which held speed alone was insufficient to engender a jury question on recklessness. However our more recent holdings have considerably moderated the rule cited by defendant. The change was perhaps most clearly described in Lewis v. Baker, 251 Iowa 1173, 104 N.W.2d 575:    It is not for us to say whether there was recklessness, but only whether reasonable minds, such as in theory at least are found in our juries, might so conclude. We shall not attempt to analyze or discuss the many cases in which we have dealt with the problem; to do so would require an extensive treatise prohibited by limitations of time and space. It is sufficient to say that among the numerous decisions facts and language can be found which adept counsel can cite in support of either side of almost any case arising under the statute. 251 Iowa at 1176, 104 N.W.2d at 577. We have frequently quoted the following language from the same opinion: We have often said that speed alone is not sufficient evidence of recklessness to engender a jury question. (Citations). But the statement is so hedged about with qualifications that it means little. Whether excessive speed may amount to recklessness depends upon the attendant circumstances; and there are always attendant circumstances. These arise from the condition and width of the highway, of the light conditions, whether the road is straight or curved, the presence or absence of other traffic, and innumerable other facts which arise in and vary from case to case. From these things, coupled with speed, the courts must determine the issue. Speed does not operate in a vacuum; there are always other conditions surrounding it. 251 Iowa at 1178, 104 N.W.2d at 578. To the same effect see Winkler v. Patten, 175 N.W.2d 126, 129 (Iowa 1970). Reasonable minds might conclude it was reckless for defendant to drive his auto at speeds up to 90 miles per hour in a 50 mile per hour speed zone at night on a road he knew to contain four curves. We find no merit in defendant's first assignment. II. Defendant's second assignment is addressed to a ruling of the trial court which admitted the expert testimony of a highway patrolman as to speed. Defendant argues there was inadequate foundation, complaining as to the adequacy of the foundation of the witness's qualifications generally and also as to the factual basis for his opinion in this case. The defendant's objection was as follows: MR. DE VRIES: Then, Your Honor, based upon the record now, we would object to the question for the reason that it calls for an opinion and conclusion of this witness without proper foundation and the witness is not shown to be qualified to express an opinion in view of the fact that there are not these other circumstances involved which I feel the Supreme Court requires before he can give an opinion. And it would be too speculative and calling for an opinion and conclusion of the witness without the proper foundation or qualification. The objection was general rather than specific in nature. We adhere to the view expressed in Bengford v. Carlem Corporation, 156 N.W.2d 855, 865 (Iowa 1968). The objection to the question `as calling for an opinion and conclusion of the witness' is essentially worthless standing alone as it fails to call the attention of the trial court to any specific ground for objection. Opinion and conclusion evidence is not inadmissible solely on that ground. Some specific reason for its exclusion must be stated. It is the duty of counsel to point out the particular defect or defects. Here the only specific ground urged was that it `invades the province of the jury'. That objection is generally not available in Iowa. (Citations). The admission of opinion evidence rests largely in the sound discretion of the court and considerable leeway is allowed in this field of evidence for the reason that no matter how the opinion question is phrased or formulated, it remains an opinion which the trier of facts is at liberty to reject. Therefore only in clear cases of abuse would admission of such evidence be found prejudicial. (Citations). The objection taken was in no way sufficient to alert the trial court or counsel of the grounds defendant now claims as a basis for reversal. Neither court nor counsel were apprised of any claim that the foundation laid was insufficient to form the basis of an opinion on the question of speed. See also McCormick on Evidence, section 52, page 115 (Second Ed. 1972). Accordingly no error on the ruling was preserved.