| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1462 | 2015-07-10 | Troop B | Motorcycle Crash in St. Bernard Parish Claims Life |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE July 10, 2015 Motorcycle Crash in St. Bernard Parish Claims Life St. Bernard Parish – Last night, at approximately 9:15 PM, Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a fatal crash on LA 46 at mile post 38. The crash claimed the life of 21 year old Greg Matlock Jr. of St. Bernard, LA. Preliminary investigation revealed that Matlock was the passenger on a 2008 Honda motorcycle that was traveling west on LA 46 with no lights. The driver of the motorcycle has not yet been identified. A 2000 Dodge Ram truck, driven by 27 year old Jimmie Hutchinson Jr. of Violet, LA, was traveling east on LA 46 and made a left turn onto Park River Drive. The motorcycle struck the Dodge and both occupants of the motorcycle were ejected. Matlock and the unidentified driver were transported to University Medical Center. Matlock died as a result of his injuries and the driver is in critical condition. Neither were wearing helmets. Impairment is not suspected for Hutchinson and he voluntarily submitted to a breath and blood test and those results are pending. The crash remains under investigation and criminal charges are pending. Motorcycle helmets save lives. To help protect the lives of motorcycle riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet specific Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards. This standard defines minimum levels of performance that helmets must meet to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash. Despite scientific evidence showing that DOT approved helmets reduce deaths and injuries to motorcycle riders, many riders choose to wear uncertified helmets, often called “novelty” helmets. In general, these “novelty” helmets have little or no impact-attenuating lining inside their shells, are not made to withstand the penetration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, and their retention systems do not ensure that the helmets stay fastened on motorcycle riders’ heads in the event of a crash. A “novelty” helmet is easily identified by the absence of a manufacturer placed label with the symbol “DOT” on the rear of the helmet. In addition, the design and weight of a helmet, thickness of the inner liner, and the quality of the chin strap and rivets are extra clues to help distinguish safe helmets from non-complying ones. Motorcycle riders can find more information on helmet guidelines and rider safety courses by visiting http://lahighwaysafety.org/motorcycle.html. Contact Information: TFC Melissa Matey Louisiana State Police – Troop B Public Affairs Section Office: (504) 471-2780 Melissa.matey@la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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