| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8039 | 2013-01-12 | Troop L | Unrestrained Loranger Resident Killed in Head-on Collision |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L NEWS RELEASE January 12, 2013 Unrestrained Loranger Resident Killed in Head-on Collision Tangipahoa Parish- Yesterday evening at approximately 7:00pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a two vehicle fatal crash that took the life of 24 year old Loranger resident Rowdy Dunnington. The crash took place on LA 1062 north of LA 40 in Loranger, LA. Troopers’ investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Dunnington was traveling north on LA 1062 in a 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage. For unknown reasons, the Mitsubishi drifted across the center line and entered the southbound lane of the roadway directly into the path of a 2000 Toyota pickup truck traveling south. The two vehicles impacted in a head-on collision in the southbound lane of LA 1062. The driver of the Toyota pickup, 56 year old Jerry Schellhaas also of Loranger, LA, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and received no injuries. He submitted to a breath alcohol test showing no detectable signs of alcohol in his system. Dunnington was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained fatal injuries in the crash. Troopers additionally discovered that the Mitsubishi’s driver side airbag had already deployed in a previous crash and was not operable. Dunnington was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. Driver impairment is unknown at this time pending the results of a toxicology examination. The proper use of occupant protection systems including seatbelts and air bags can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. While the danger of complete lack of restraint use is clearly evident, the misuse of seatbelts and airbags is often an overlooked and deadly mistake by vehicle occupants. Supplemental or secondary occupant protection systems such as airbags, shatter proof glass, side impact door beams, collapsible steering columns, etc. are designed to supplement and work in conjunction with the vehicle’s seatbelt. Occupants who are not properly restrained by a seatbelt at the time of impact are often not able to receive the full benefits of these supplemental safety devices. 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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