| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8335 | 2012-09-05 | Troop L | Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash on LA 25 in Franklinton |
| TROOP L NEWS RELEASE September 5th, 2012 Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash on LA 25 in Franklinton Franklinton, LA- This morning shortly after 9:00am, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on LA 25 in Washington Parish. The crash took place approximately one mile south of the Franklinton city limits and claimed the life of 35 year old Franklinton resident Lorenda Duncan. Troopers’ investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Duncan was traveling north on LA 25 in a 2006 Ford Fusion when she pulled onto the right northbound shoulder to pick up a pedestrian. Upon picking up her passenger, Duncan attempted to make a U-turn turning across the northbound lane of LA 25 directly into the path of a 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling north. The driver of the Chevrolet pickup, 63 year old Everett Robins of Franklinton, LA, was unable to avoid collision and impacted the left side of the Ford Fusion with its front end. Duncan sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to Riverside Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Front seat passenger in the Ford Fusion, 58 year old Steven Knight of Franklinton, LA, was also transported to Riverside Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries. Both Robins and front seat passenger in the Chevrolet pickup, 32 year old Jason Robins of Franklinton, LA, received no injuries in the crash. All occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and driver impairment is not suspected pending the results of a toxicology analysis. Troopers are continuing their investigation; however, driver inattention is suspected to be the primary factor leading to the events of the crash. While the dangers of impaired driving and other aggressive driving behaviors are well documented, driver distraction is quickly becoming one of the largest contributing factors in motor vehicle crashes across the country. Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. While distracted driving comes in many forms, from texting and talking on a cell phone, to eating, or simply playing with the radio, the result is often the same. Troopers urge the public to remain vigilant while driving and avoid distracting activities, especially electronic devices. To report distracted drivers or other hazardous road conditions, motorists can dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to reach the State Police office closest to you. 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 | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||