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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=4017

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4017 2014-10-19 Troop E Motorcyclist Killed in Rapides Parish Crash


TROOP E NEWS RELEASE

October 19, 2014
Motorcyclist Killed in Rapides Parish Crash

Rapides Parish – Late in the afternoon on Friday, October 17, 2014, a crash involving a motorcycle killed a man from Alexandria, LA. Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary evidence indicates that the driver of the motorcycle was acting in a careless manner.

Troopers responded to the crash around 5:30 p.m., which occurred on LA Hwy 498 at Enterprise Road. The crash involved a 2001 Honda motorcycle, driven by Tom Brown Jr. (B/M 59 yrs). The Honda was eastbound on LA Hwy 498 when Brown Jr. attempted to pass a vehicle that was also eastbound. This maneuver was attempted in a curve. As Brown Jr. was attempting to complete the pass, a westbound vehicle appeared. Brown Jr. then took evasive action to avoid the westbound vehicle by exiting the left side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, the Honda collided with a driveway embankment and became airborne before impacting the ground.

Brown Jr. was wearing a helmet and was not ejected during the crash. He was alert and walking around at the crash scene. The investigating Trooper observed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage upon his breath. He attempted to refuse medical attention, but was transported to St. Francis Cabrini Hospital.

On Saturday, October 18, 2014 around 3:45 p.m., LSP Troop E was contacted by St. Francis Cabrini Hospital staff and advised that Brown Jr. had been pronounced dead.

Routine toxicology tests are pending.

Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects.

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 seatbelts decrease your risk of serious injury or death.

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 situation. Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of highway crashes and fatalities.

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 38 fatal crashes in 2014, resulting in 45 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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