Ville Platte man dies in La. 13 wreck

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A head-on wreck claimed the life of Joseph Lee Willis, 31, of Ville Platte,shortly after 6 a.m. Wednesday on La. 13 near Gilbert Road in Evangeline Parish, according to a news release from Louisiana State Police Troop I.
Willis was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic south on La. 13 when his vehicle crossed the center line into the path of a 2000 Peterbilt 18-wheeler was traveling north on La. 13, police stated.
The driver of the Peterbilt, who not identified by police, then took evasive action by steering left. Willis, then, swerved back into the southbound lane and struck the 18-wheeler head-on.
Troopers determined Willis was unrestrained and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by a representative from the Evangeline Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Peterbilt was restrained and was not injured.
Toxicology samples were taken from the drivers and results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.
The majority of motorists who die in crashes are not wearing a seat belt. Despite this fact, some people still choose not to take the 3 seconds needed to buckle a seat belt. Louisiana law requires motorists to wear a seat belt in every seating position, front seat and back seat, day and night. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective thing vehicle occupants can do to minimize the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and to always wear their seat belt.
Troop I has investigated 18 fatal crashes resulting in 21 deaths since the beginning of 2020.