| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1476 | 2015-09-24 | Troop B | Failure to Yield Leaves a Metairie Man Dead |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE September 24, 2015 Failure to Yield Leaves a Metairie Man Dead Metairie, LA- Troopers investigated a fatality crash on LA 611-1 (River Road) this morning. The crash occurred shortly after 7 am and claimed the life of a 22 year old Metairie man after a vehicle failed to yield and pulled into the path of his motorcycle. The investigation revealed that a 2002 Suzuki GSX 600F motorcycle was traveling west on River Road, and was approaching the Dodge Avenue intersection. The Suzuki was being operated by Jacob Ward (age 22) of Metairie, LA. At the same time, a 2013 Nissan Sentra was stopped at a stop sign on Dodge Avenue waiting to turn onto River Road. The Sentra was being driven by Blair Guidry (age 23) of Lafitte, LA. Guidry failed to yield to the motorcycle as it approached, and pulled into the path of the Suzuki. The Suzuki struck the side of the Sentra, ejecting Ward from his motorcycle. Guidry, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured in the crash. Ward, who was wearing a US D.O.T. helmet, was transported to University Hospital in New Orleans, but later died from his injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. Routine toxicology tests are pending for Ward. Guidry submitted to a breath test and was cleared of any alcohol involvement. This crash remains under investigation. Troopers remind motorists to always look and make sure it is clear before pulling out into traffic and be aware of your surroundings. Always watch vehicles as they approach and gauge the distance they are covering as they approach. Never try and “make it” across when it is unsafe to do so. Keep distractions to a minimum and keep your focus on the road. It only takes a fraction of a second for a crash to occur. Motorcyclists must wear a proper US D.O.T. helmet when operating their motorcycle on Louisiana roadways. Although not all crashes are survivable, properly utilizing safety equipment like approved motorcycle helmets and seatbelts decrease your risk of serious injury or death. | |||
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