| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5585 | 2013-06-26 | Troop F | Fatal Crash in Ouachita Parish |
TROOP F NEWS RELEASE June 26, 2013
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2011 Nissan Rogue, driven by 41-year-old Alice Simmons of Monroe, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 594 when it attempted to pass a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, driven by 34-year-old Lakita Lavender of Monroe, in a no passing zone. The rear right portion of the Nissan struck the front left portion of the Chevrolet as the Nissan was attempting to reenter the southbound lane. This caused the Chevrolet to lose control, drive off the left side of the road, strike a culvert and overturn. Lavender was not wearing her seatbelt and was ejected from the Chevrolet. Lavender suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s office. The passengers in the Chevrolet, two 11-year-old males, suffered minor injuries and were transported to a hospital in Monroe. Simmons did not report any injuries. Alcohol use is not suspected. Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. Simmons was issued a citation for passing in a no passing zone. The crash remains under investigation. According to Louisiana law, where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone, no driver shall at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within such zone, or on the left side of any pavement striping, designated to mark such no-passing zone, throughout its length. Wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves from injury in the event of a crash. Louisiana state law requires vehicle occupants in all seating positions to be properly restrained, day and night. Buckle up Louisiana. Every trip. Every time. Troop F has investigated 26 fatal crashes which have resulted in 28 deaths so far this year. Contact Information Trooper Albert Paxton Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section Office: (318) 345-2810 albert.paxton@dps.la.gov | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||