| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1481 | 2014-12-15 | Troop B | Impairment and Lack of Seat Belt Use are Factors in Fatal Crash |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE December 15, 2014 Impairment and Lack of Seat Belt Use are Factors in Fatal Crash West Jefferson Parish – On December 12, 2014, at approximately 7:30 am, Louisiana State Police Troop B was notified of a serious injury crash on LA 3134 near Pritchard Drive. As a result of the crash, Brandie Hughes (age 35) of Marrero, LA was transported to the LSU Interim Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center and succumbed to her injuries on December 14, 2014. Preliminary investigation revealed that Hughes was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Impala south on LA 3134 in the right lane. The Impala impacted a 2007 Front End Loader owned by Jefferson Parish and operated by James Barton (age 42) of Marrero, LA. The Front End Loader was traveling in the right lane ahead of Hughes, and was equipped with warning devices and reflective markings. Barton was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was transported to West Jefferson Hospital with minor injuries. Hughes was not wearing a seat belt and impairment is suspected. Blood was drawn from Hughes and the results are pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Driving under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle is illegal. Alcohol and drug impairment behind the wheel leads to serious injury and fatality crashes each day. Louisiana State Police would like to remind everyone to ensure they have a safe ride, each and every time they get into a vehicle. Make a plan to have a sober driver or take a taxi. Also, ensure that everyone is buckled up, regardless of seating position. Louisiana law requires that all occupants in the front and rear seats are properly restrained. The primary purpose of a seat belt is to keep the occupant in the seating position preventing ejection. A seat belt also protects the internal organs, brain and spinal cord by spreading the crash forces across the strongest bones in the body and allowing the body to decelerate at a slower rate. By following these few simple steps, you will greatly reduce your chances of injuries in a motor vehicle crash. If you observe any hazardous situation or impaired driver on the roads, you are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report the dangerous situation. Contact Information: TFC Melissa Matey Louisiana State Police – Troop B Public Affairs Unit Office: (504) 471-2780 Melissa.matey@la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||