Submitted
Over the course of the weekend and continuing into the early hours of Monday morning, Troopers across Louisiana investigated 10 fatal crashes that resulted in the deaths of 15 people. Some common factors involved in many of these preventable crashes were lack of seat belt use, impairment, and even excessive speed. Several of the crashes involved vehicles crossing over into the opposite lane of travel.
Friday, March 24th
· Troop A – A crash involving a motorcycle in Ascension Parish resulted in the death of one person.
· Troop C – A two vehicle hit-and-run crash in Lafourche Parish resulted in the death of one person, and impairment is suspected to have been a factor.
· Troop A – A four vehicle crash in West Feliciana Parish resulted in the death of one person.
· Troop L – A two vehicle crash in St. Helena Parish resulted in the deaths of three people, one of which was a 3-month old infant.
Saturday, March 25th
· Troop E – A two vehicle head-on crash in Rapides Parish resulted in the deaths of two teenagers, both of whom were unrestrained.
· Troop G – A two vehicle crash in Bossier Parish resulted in the deaths of two people, at least one of which was unrestrained.
· Troop E – A single vehicle crash in Avoyelles Parish resulted in the death of an unrestrained person.
Sunday, March 26th
· Troop I – A two vehicle crash on I-10 in Acadia Parish resulted in the deaths of two people.
Monday, March 27th
· Troop A – Troopers are investigating two fatal crashes, the first one a single vehicle crash in East Baton Rouge Parish involving excessive speed leaving one person dead, and the second in Iberville Parish leaving a pedestrian dead.
“As Troopers, the most difficult part of our job is informing someone that their loved one is not coming home,” said Colonel Kevin Reeves, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “Fifteen deaths in a weekend is beyond tragic, but even one death is too many especially when preventable. By simply taking some extra precautions when you travel, you can greatly increase the chance that you will return home safely each and every trip.”
Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle. Louisiana law requires that all occupants, regardless of age or seating position, be properly restrained. Children should at all times be properly restrained in an age and weight appropriate child safety seat. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired on alcohol and/or drugs is illegal and strictly enforced. Always make smart decisions by designating a sober driver and having a plan in place before driving.
Drivers can effectively reduce the chances of being involved in a crash by ensuring that while behind the wheel of a vehicle you remain focused solely on the task of driving. Heed all posted speed limits as speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of highway crashes and fatalities.
Buckling up, driving sober, obeying speed limits and avoiding distractions are the easiest ways to avoid a fatal crash. Further information on these crashes can be found at www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice.