| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2457 | 2018-09-26 | Troop C | Lack of Seat Belt Usage Contributes to Fatal Crash in St. James Parish |
| TROOP C NEWS RELEASE September 26, 2018 Lack of Seat Belt Usage Contributes to Fatal Crash in St. James Parish Vacherie – Shortly after 10:00 p.m. last night, Troopers with Troop C began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on LA 18 near Hubble Lane. The crash took the life of 55-year-old Marie Joseph of Vacherie. The preliminary investigation revealed 59-year-old Rickie Steib of Vacherie was traveling east on LA 18 in a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT pick-up. Joseph was traveling west on LA 18 in a 2017 Nissan Altima. For unknown reasons, Steib crossed the center line and struck Joseph head-on. Steib was not wearing his seat belt and he suffered moderate injuries. He was transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans by Acadian Ambulance Service. Joseph was also not wearing her seat belt and suffered critical injuries. She was transported to St. James Hospital by Acadian Ambulance Service where she died from her injuries. Impairment is unknown as a factor in this crash. A blood sample was obtained from Steib and a toxicology report is pending through the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. A standard toxicology report is pending on the part of Joseph through the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office. This crash remains under investigation. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that all occupants in a vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death. Contact Information: | |||
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