| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7055 | 2017-07-28 | Troop I | Unrestrained Driver Killed in Lafayette Parish Crash |
| TROOP I NEWS RELEASE July 28, 2017 Unrestrained Driver Killed in Lafayette Parish Crash Lafayette – On January 28, 2017, shortly after 11:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a head-on crash involving two vehicles on LA 724 near Rue de Belier in Lafayette Parish. The crash claimed the life of 23 year old Dylan Blackman of Lafayette. The preliminary investigation revealed Blackman was operating a 1991 Toyota Corolla westbound on LA 724. For unknown reasons, Blackman crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane and collided with a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 53 year old John Duhon of Lafayette, resulting in a severe head-on crash. Blackman was not wearing seat belt and sustained critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. John Duhon and his three passengers were wearing seat belts and sustained minor injuries. All four were taken to Lafayette General Medical Center and treated. Impairment is not suspected; however, routine toxicology samples were taken from Blackman and Duhon and the results are pending. This crash remains under investigation. To date in 2017, Troop I has investigated 37 fatal crashes in Acadiana, resulting in the deaths of 48 people. Out of those 48 people, 29 were not wearing seat belts. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that all occupants of a motor vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. 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. | |||
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