| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7024 | 2018-03-05 | Troop I | Woman Killed and Two Unrestrained Children Severely Injured in St. Mary Parish Crash |
| TROOP I NEWS RELEASE March 5, 2018 Woman Killed and Two Unrestrained Children Severely Injured in St. Mary Parish Crash Garden City – On March 5, 2018, shortly after 11:15 am, Troopers with Troop I were notified of a two vehicle fatality crash on LA 182 near Locust Drive. The crash took the life of 24 year old Ladasha Lemon of Franklin. The preliminary investigation revealed Lemon was operating a 1998 Mercury Tracer west on LA 182. Lemon slowly veered the Mercury into the eastbound lane to make a left turn and struck an eastbound 2005 Chevrolet Silverado head-on. The Silverado was operated by 47 year old Toby Clement of Franklin. Lemon was wearing a seat belt, but sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead on scene by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. Two toddlers in the Mercury were not in child restraint seats or seat belts. They sustained severe injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Clement was not wearing a seat belt and sustained moderate injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. It is unknown if impairment is a factor in the crash. Standard toxicology samples were taken from both drivers and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. Troopers wish to remind everyone that children depend on adults to make the critical decision of making sure they are safe in a child seat. Troop I and many other law enforcement agencies are available to assist with the proper installation and fitting of children in child restraint systems. For current child restraint laws and best practices please visit http://www.lsp.org/pdf/child_passenger_seat.pdf. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death. Contact Information: | |||
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