| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3710 | 2012-10-20 | Troop D | Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Calcasieu Parish |
News Release – Troop D October 20, 2012 Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Calcasieu Parish On October 20, 2012, shortly after 1:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single vehicle motorcycle crash on Louisiana Highway 378 about a mile north of Westlake in Calcasieu Parish that claimed the life of a Moss Bluff man. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2001 Honda motorcycle operated by 37-year-old Tommy Wayne Myrick of Moss Bluff was traveling north on LA 378 when the motorcycle he was operating crossed the center line then struck an approach guardrail at the Westfork Bridge. The impact caused Myrick to be ejected from the motorcycle and land off the roadway beyond the guardrail. The motorcycle traveled about 160 feet before coming to rest down an embankment on the west side of LA 378. Myrick, who was wearing an approved helmet at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office. Excessive speed and alcohol use are suspected to be factors in the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained for analysis and the crash remains under investigation. This is the fifth motorcyclist to die in a crash investigated by Troop D this year. Last year in our state, 43 percent of people who died in fatal vehicle crashes died as the result of an impaired driver. Motorists should never operate a motorcycle or get behind the wheel of any vehicle if they are impaired. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. Troopers encourage motorists to observe the speed limit and to drive in a safe and prudent manner. Motorcycle awareness license plates are available through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Please visit their website at www.expresslane.org for more information. Funds generated from the purchase of the plates will be used by the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign to increase awareness and promote/support training and education efforts for motorcyclists. Contact Information: Sgt. James Anderson Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section Office: (337) 491-2932 james.anderson@dps.la.gov | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||