| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3098 | 2016-01-31 | Troop D | Impairment and Lack of Seat Belt Use Lead to Death and Injury on I-10 |
TROOP D NEWS RELEASE January 31, 2016 Impairment and Lack of Seat Belt Use Lead to Death and Injury on I-10 CALCASIEU PARISH, LA – A single-vehicle crash this morning on I-10 between Westlake and Sulphur led to the death of the driver and serious injury to the passenger. On Sunday, January 31, 2016, shortly before 7:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate Highway 10 near PPG Drive in Calcasieu Parish. The preliminary investigation revealed a sedan was traveling east on I-10 when the driver exited onto the PPG Drive exit ramp at a high rate of speed and lost control. The vehicle rotated, struck a stop sign, and continued east across PPG Drive before striking two separate bridge columns. The driver and passenger chose not to wear a seat belt and were ejected from the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office. The passenger was flown to a Lafayette hospital with serious injuries. The name of the driver and passenger are being withheld pending notification of the driver’s next-of-kin. Alcohol use and excessive speed are suspected factors that contributed to the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained from the driver for analysis. The crash remains under investigation. Wearing a seat belt is the simplest and most effective step motorists can take to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Louisiana state law requires motor vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day and night. Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and wear a seat belt on every trip. Last year, 64 percent of fatal crashes investigated by Troop D involved an impaired driver. Alcohol consumption affects judgement as well as the skills needed to drive safely. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before going to any place where alcohol will be consumed. Not doing so can have deadly consequences. To report impaired drivers, motorists are encouraged to dial *LSP (*577) from their cellular phone or to contact their local law enforcement agency. Troop D has investigated 3 fatal crashes resulting in 5 deaths this year. Four of these deaths occurred this weekend and have been the result of a driver who chose to drive impaired. Contact Information: | |||
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