| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8003 | 2013-05-20 | Troop L | Tangipahoa Parish Crash Takes Life of Unrestrained Juvenile Passenger |
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE May 20, 2013 Tangipahoa Parish Crash Takes Life of Unrestrained Juvenile Passenger Independence, LA- Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L witnessed firsthand the lifesaving importance of seat belt use during the afternoon investigation of a fatal crash on LA Highway 1054 approximately 3 miles north of LA Highway 40 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash took place shortly after 4:30pm and resulted in the death of a 10 year old female passenger as well as injuries to three additional juvenile occupants. Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by an unlicensed 15 year old female, was traveling north on LA Highway 1054 when it drifted off the right side of the highway. As the vehicle left the paved roadway, the driver overcorrected to the left causing the Pontiac to rotate counterclockwise as it crossed the north and southbound lanes and entered the ditch along the west side of the highway. Upon entering the roadside ditch, the vehicle overturned ejecting two of the unrestrained juvenile occupants before coming to rest on its left side. In addition to the 15 year old driver, the Pontiac was occupied by three additional juveniles at the time of the crash. The unlicensed female juvenile driver was not properly restrained, however remained in the vehicle during the course of the crash. The front seat passenger, 12 year old male, was not wearing a seat belt and was completely ejected from the vehicle. The right rear passenger, 9 year old male, was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and remained in the vehicle. The left rear passenger, 10 year old female, was not restrained and was partially ejected from the vehicle sustaining life threatening injuries. The 10 year old was transported to Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The driver and remaining two juvenile passengers were transported to North Oaks Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. Troopers are continuing their investigation with possible charges pending through the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office. While Louisiana's seat belt usage has been steadily improving, reaching 79 percent in 2012, the lack of proper restraint use remains the leading cause of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. While not all crashes are survivable, the proper use of occupant protection systems including seat belts and air bags can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. Taking the time to buckle up every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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