| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5514 | 2012-10-06 | Troop F | Unrestrained Driver Dies in Caldwell Parish |
News Release – Troop F October 6, 2012 Unrestrained Driver Dies in Caldwell Parish On October 6, 2012, at 1:19 a.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 849 south of Louisiana Highway 126 that claimed the life of a 17-year-old from Grayson, Louisiana. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo driven by 17-year-old Michael Woods of Grayson was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 849 when he passed a 2011 GMC truck driven by 30-year-old Earnest Sandidge Jr. of Columbia in a marked nopassing zone. As Woods attempted to re-enter the north lane the rear of his vehicle struck the front of Sandidge’s vehicle. Woods lost control of his vehicle as it traveled off the right side of the road and began to roll. Woods was not wearing a seatbelt and ejected. He suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Caldwell Parish Coroner’s Office. The two passengers in Woods’ vehicle were properly restrained and only had minor injuries. Sandidge was also properly restrained and did not report any injuries. Alcohol is not suspected on Woods’ part. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis. Sandidge was arrested for DWI and booked in Caldwell Parish Jail. The crash remains under investigation. The majority of fatal and serious injury crashes involve occupants who are not wearing seatbelts. State law requires seatbelts to be used at every seating position in the vehicle. Impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of being properly restrained at all times and to never get behind the wheel if they are impaired. Troop F has investigated 21 fatal crashes which have resulted in 23 deaths so far this year. Contact Information: Trooper Albert Paxton Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police – Troop F Office: (318) 345-2810 Albert.Paxton@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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