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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=8600

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
8600 2011-05-19 Troop L Motorcyclist killed in Slidell Crash
LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE

Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 19th, 2011
Motorcyclist killed in Slidell Crash

Slidell- Last night at 10:25 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a fatal crash involving a motorcycle on the Interstate 12 W/B on ramp from U.S. 11 in St. Tammany Parish.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Paul Roudolfich (W/M age 51) of Slidell, LA, was traveling west on the Interstate 12 westbound on ramp when, for unknown reasons, it ran off the road to the right. Upon leaving the roadway, the motorcycle continued down a steep embankment on the north side of the ramp ejecting Roudolfich and his passenger, Jeltje Roudolfich (W/F age 50).

Neither Roudolfich nor his passenger were wearing DOT approved helmets. Paul Roudolfich was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office. Jeltje Roudolfich received moderate injuries in the crash and was transported to Slidell Memorial Hospital. Alcohol and/or drug use is unknown at this time with a toxicology test pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

Motorcycle helmets save lives. To help protect the lives of motorcycle riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet specific Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards. This standard defines minimum levels of performance that helmets must meet to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash. Despite scientific evidence showing that DOT approved helmets reduce deaths and injuries to motorcycle riders, many riders choose to wear uncertified helmets, often called “novelty” helmets. In general, these “novelty” helmets have little or no impact-attenuating lining inside their shells, are not made to withstand the pene­tration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, and their retention systems do not ensure that the helmets stay fastened on motorcycle riders’ heads in the event of a crash. A “novelty” helmet is easily identified by the absence of a manufacturer placed label with the symbol “DOT” on the rear of the helmet. In addition, the design and weight of a helmet, thickness of the inner liner, and the quality of the chin strap and rivets are extra clues to help distinguish safe helmets from non-complying ones. Motorcycle riders can find more information on helmet guidelines and rider safety courses by visiting http://lahighwaysafety.org/motorcycle.html.

Contact Information:
TFC Nick Manale
Public Affairs Unit Troop L
Louisiana State Police
Office: (985) 893-6250
Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org
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