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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=3646

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
3646 2014-01-24 Troop D Driver Dies on Icy Overpass in Jefferson Davis Parish

TROOP D NEWS RELEASE

January 24, 2014
Driver Dies on Icy Overpass in Jefferson Davis Parish


On January 24, 2014, at 5:08 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 Westbound about three miles west of Jennings in Jefferson Davis Parish that claimed the life of a Jennings man.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1997 Dodge Avenger driven by 60-year-old Donald Wayne Fortner of Jennings was traveling west on I-10 when he lost control of the vehicle on an icy overpass. The Dodge crossed into the path of an 18-wheeler driven by 42-year-old Quincy M. Lewis of Houston, Texas. The Dodge was struck in the driver’s door by the 18-wheeler causing Fortner to be fatally injured. Lewis was not injured.

Routine toxicology samples were obtained from each of the drivers and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Excessive speed for conditions has been a persistent theme in crashes investigated by Troop D today. The Louisiana State Police offers the following winter weather driving tips:
    Reduce speed
    Allow extra time to reach your destination
    Allow extra space between vehicles
    Do not drive using the cruise control in icy conditions
    Anticipate stops (such as stop signs and traffic signals) and brake gently while stopping
    If you encounter a skid, take your foot off accelerator and steer into the skid till you regain control
    Use low beam headlights if it is raining or sleeting
    Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained

This is the second fatal crash investigated by Troop D this year.

Contact Information:
Sgt. James Anderson
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (337) 491-2932
james.l.anderson@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice
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