| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8606 | 2011-06-28 | Troop L | Unrestrained Passenger killed in I-55 Crash |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 28th, 2011 Unrestrained Passenger killed in I-55 Crash Ponchatoula, LA – Today shortly after 2:00 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a single vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 55 approximately 1 mile south of the LA 22 Ponchatoula exit in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash occurred as a 1998 Nissan Sentra, driven by Kathryn Scruggs (W/F age 39) of Gretna, LA, was traveling south on Interstate 55. Preliminary investigation revealed that prior to the crash the Sentra’s right rear tire blew out, causing Scruggs to lose control of the vehicle and enter the center grass median of Interstate 55. Upon entering the median, Scruggs overcorrected to the right causing the Sentra to cross both southbound lanes of I-55 and run off road to the right. As the vehicle entered the ditch on the west side of the interstate, it overturned ejecting the unrestrained front seat passenger. The passenger, Gerald Earley (W/M age 52) of Manchac, LA, was transported to North Oaks Medical Center where he was pronounced dead as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Scruggs was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and received minor injuries. Alcohol and/or drug use is not suspected with the results of a toxicology test pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Scruggs was cited for Careless Operation with additional charges pending. In 2010, approximately 59% of the fatalities experienced on Louisiana highways were unrestrained at the time of the crash. While not all crashes are survivable, seat belts can greatly decrease the 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. BE PREPARED, BE BUCKLED!! Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Troop L Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||