| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3986 | 2015-03-15 | Troop E | Texas Motorcyclists Killed in Crash |
TROOP E NEWS RELEASE March 15, 2015 Texas Motorcyclists Killed in Crash Rapides Parish – Earlier today, a crash involving two vehicles killed a man and a woman from Texas. Both were wearing helmets at the time of the crash, but were ejected from the motorcycle. Troopers responded to the crash around 12:30 p.m., which occurred on LA Hwy 121 in Hineston, LA. The crash involved a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, driven by Larry R. Callahan (W/M 62 yrs) of Calcasieu, LA and a 2012 Honda motorcycle, driven by Ronnie L. Fillingim (W/M 59 yrs) of Livingston, TX. The Chrysler was northbound on LA Hwy 121 when Callahan attempted to turn left into a store parking lot. This action placed his vehicle in the southbound lane of LA Hwy 121, the lane in which the Honda was traveling. Fillingim attempted to stop, but was unsuccessful and collided with the Chrysler. Callahan was wearing his seat belt and was not injured. He was charged with improper turning. Ronnie Fillingim was transported to Cabrini Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His only passenger, identified as Sharon Kay Fillingim (W/F 59 yrs) of Livingston, TX, was transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center where she was pronounced dead. Routine toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation. Inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in our state. It is important for motorists to pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving. More information on distracted driving may be found online at the federal government’s official distracted driving website, www.distraction.gov. Motorcyclists must wear a proper US D.O.T. helmet when operating their motorcycle on Louisiana roadways. Although not all crashes are survivable, properly utilizing safety equipment like approved motorcycle helmets and seat belts decrease your risk of serious injury or death. 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. Troop E Troopers have investigated six fatal crashes in 2015, resulting in ten fatalities. Contact Information: M/T Daniel “Scott” Moreau Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section – Troop E Office: (318) 769-9USA (872) scott.moreau@la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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