I'll assume you are joking, but just incase you are not, and for others who are thinking the same thing, let me write a little something:
I live in the Baton Rouge area, where this happened. Yes it is coincidence. Unfortunately, there are stupid people everywhere, in every part of the country. It is ashamed, however, that people pick on the South so much, and it doesn't help when messes like Katrina and this accident happen. There are so many stereotypes, and misconceptions about the South, that it is unbelievable. The South, truthfully, is no different that other parts of the country. Not everybody down here speaks with a "heey yaawwll" accent, and Hollywood's "version" of a Southern accent is WAY off. It is not nearly that unintelligent sounding. Plus, very few people actually speak with a Southern accent at all, just like everybody up North doesn't speak with a strong Northern accent, or not everybody in California speaks with that "Hey duuude" surfer accent.
The only reason I say this is: I have lived in the South all of my life. I, however, have traveled to many other parts of the country. I don't see a difference in the people, or lifestyle, at all. Unless you have lived in the South, believing these stereotypes the media, and Hollywood gives off of the South is ridiculous. It is not even close! The only reason the media hates the South, anyway, and Hollywood for that matter, is because people tend to be republican. If the South were a majority democrat, I guarantee you wouldn't see any of the stereotypes and misconceptions of the South we see today. Think about it! People in the South are not unintelligent, although there are some stupid ones, but that goes for the whole country, and people in the South do not all speak like NASCAR drivers, in fact, most don't.