| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3113 | 2016-04-14 | Troop D | Unrestrained Texas Man Dies after Crash with 18-Wheeler |
TROOP D NEWS RELEASE April 14, 2016 Unrestrained Texas Man Dies after Crash with 18-Wheeler MOSS BLUFF, LA – One person was killed today in Calcasieu Parish after an 18-wheeler driver failed to yield the right-of-way while pulling out from a parking lot this morning. On April 14, 2016, shortly after 6:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 378 just west of North Perkins Ferry Road in the community of Moss Bluff. The preliminary investigation revealed an 18-wheeler driven by 38-year-old Willie J. Vital, Jr. of Moss Bluff traveled onto LA 378 from a private parking lot. A 2012 Chevrolet Silverado traveling west on LA 378 then crashed into the side of the truck, causing a diesel fuel tank to rupture. The driver of the Silverado, 44-year-old Rodrigo Rodriguez of Penitas, Texas, was not wearing a seat belt and was transported from the scene with serious injuries. Rodriguez was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Vital (the driver of the 18-wheeler) was not injured and was charged with improper turning. Routine toxicology samples were obtained from the drivers and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation. The 18-wheeler leaked 50-100 gallons of diesel causing the roadway at the crash scene to remain closed until shortly before 9:00 a.m. The majority of motorists who die in crashes are not wearing a seat belt. Despite this fact, some people still choose not to take the 3 seconds needed to buckle a seat belt. Louisiana law requires motorists to wear a seat belt in every seating position, front seat and back seat, day and night. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective thing vehicle occupants can do to minimize the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and to always wear their seat belt. | |||
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