Aggrostats

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Hyland, driving a 1962 Lincoln Continental, was attempting to turn left off of a private drive to travel west on LA Hwy 431. At the same time, 46-year-old Brian Bergeron of Slaughter was driving a 2015 Peterbilt dump truck eastbound on LA Hwy 431. Hyland pulled his vehicle into the path of the eastbound dump truck, and the Peterbilt struck the Lincoln.

Troopers believe that Hyland was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He sustained serious injuries as a result, and was transported from the scene to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales where he later succumbed to those injuries. Bergeron was properly restrained at the time of the crash and was uninjured. Impairment is not believed to be a factor in this crash, but a toxicology sample was taken from Hyland to be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that according to Louisiana law all occupants of a motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1981 must be properly restrained. Many older model vehicles are equipped with lap belts only, and some classic cars may not have restraints at all. Since statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained, though not required by law owners of classic cars are urged to either utilize existing lap belts or install aftermarket seat belts. More information on the seat belt law can be found at https://goo.gl/Cv9h6K.

Contact Information:
Sgt. Jared L. Sandifer
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202
jared.sandifer@la.gov
www.lsp.org
facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice
twitter.com/LAStatePolice