| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1172 | 2011-06-22 | Troop A | Unrestrained Driver Killed in Crash, Speed and Impairment Suspected Factors |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE Unrestrained Driver Killed in Crash, Speed and Impairment Suspected Factors Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on LA 42 (Burbank Drive) south of Jennifer Jean Avenue in East Baton Rouge Parish yesterday shortly after 6:00 pm. Troopers learned during the initial investigation that the crash had occurred several hours before being discovered. Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that Jason Matte (W/M, age 25) of Belle Chasse was driving a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee south on LA 42 at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and struck the center median. The vehicle overturned as it crossed the center median and the two northbound lanes of LA 42. It continued off the roadway and came to rest in a wooded area out of sight from the roadway. Matte was thrown from the driver’s seat as the vehicle rolled and was crushed between the roof and the rear seat. The driver’s seat compartment area was intact and not heavily damaged. The exact time of the crash is unknown, but Troopers suspect it occurred at some time around 3:00 am the previous morning (06/21/11). Troopers suspect that speed and alcohol played a factor in the crash. Troopers have submitted a sample of Matte’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis and the crash remains under investigation. The overwhelming majority of fatal crashes investigated by Troop A this year have involved impaired drivers and unrestrained occupants. So many deaths and serious injuries could be avoided by simply making better decisions. There is never a good reason to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are impaired, and there is never any good excuse for not wearing a seat belt. The public is encouraged to help keep the roadways safe by making good decisions and reporting aggressive and impaired drivers. Never drive a vehicle impaired, never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver, and always wear a seat belt. You can report aggressive or impaired drivers and dangerous roadway conditions by calling *LSP (*577) from a cell phone. Contact Information: | |||
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