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Baton Rouge – Today at 12:00 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop A was called to investigate a fatal crash on US 61 at LA 42 (Highland Road) in East Baton Rouge Parish. Troopers’preliminary investigation revealed that Chad A. Brown (W/M, age 24) of Geismar was operating a black Suzuki GSX 1000 motorcycle south on US 61 near the intersection of LA 42 when he was struck by another vehicle (2009 silver Lincoln Towncar) crossing US 61 from a private driveway. Mr. Brown was ejected from his motorcycle and received fatal injuries from the crash. The driver of the Lincoln Towncar was Margaret M. Wingate (W/F, age 77) of Baton Rouge and she received moderate injuries from the crash. Mr. Brown and Mrs. Wingate were both transported to Baton Rouge General Hospital. It was reported that Mr. Brown was wearing a DOT approved safety helmet and Mrs. Wingate was properly wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Troopers do not suspect that driver impairment was a factor in the crash, but have collected a blood sample from Mr. Brown and Mrs. Wingate to submit to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis.

According to statistics from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, in 2010 motorcyclists were involved in over 1800 crashes across the state resulting in 73 fatalities. State Police would like to remind ALL motorists to always be aware of your surroundings while driving by constantly scanning the roadways of approaching vehicles from intersections and private driveways. It is always a good idea to double check approaching vehicles on a highway before you enter the roadway or attempt to cross into a median opening. There is never a good excuse to not utilize proper safety equipment while operating a motor vehicle such as seatbelts and DOT approved motorcycle helmets.


Contact Information:

Sgt Len Marie
Region 1 Supervisor / Public Information Officer
Louisiana State Police – Headquarters
Office: (225) 925-6202
Lenias.Marie@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org