| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8748 | 2011-03-05 | Troop L | Excessive Speed, Impairment, Lack of Seat Belt Use Suspected Factors in Fatal Crash |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent Troop L – News Release
Excessive Speed, Impairment, Lack of Seat Belt Use Suspected Factors in Fatal Crash Covington – Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a single-vehicle fatal crash today on US 190 in St. Tammany Parish after being contacted by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. A cyclist noticed a body, later identified as Jacob St. Germain (W/M, age 32) of Ponchatoula, in a canal just north of Fairway Drive and east of US 190 and reported it to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and Detectives arrived on the scene, began searching the area, and located a 2008 Suzuki submerged in the canal. State Troopers, with the assistance of St. Tammany Parish deputies and detectives, were able to recreate the sequence of events leading up to the crash. St. Germain had last been seen on February 16, 2011, leaving a Daiquiri Shop in Covington in the 2008 Suzuki. A 911 call was placed at that time describing an intoxicated St. Germain headed south on US 190 in the vehicle. A missing person report was filed the following day. Troopers’ conducted a thorough investigation at the crash scene. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling south on US 190 just south of I-12 when it ran off the road to the right. The vehicle continued down a slope and then vaulted up the canal bank and over a chain fence, striking a bridge rail prior to submerging in the canal. The vehicle travelled over 500 feet from the time it exited the roadway to its final rest. Troopers believe St. Germain was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Impairment, excessive speed, and lack of seat belt use are suspected to have been contributing factors in St. Germain’s death. The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office took possession of the body for examination. Driving while impaired, aggressive or distracted driving, and lack of seat belts constitute a large majority of fatal crashes across the nation. At least one of these common factors is nearly always present in fatal crashes. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel impaired, and there is no such thing as “slightly impaired”. Troopers will continue proactive patrol and aggressive DWI enforcement in an effort to keep the motoring public safe. Through this holiday weekend, motorists are urged to be vigilant while driving and to buckle up. With carnival season upon us, there will be additional traffic on the roadways throughout the weekend. Troopers would like to remind motorists to drive safely, never get behind the wheel impaired, and never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver. The public can help to keep the roadways safe by following these simple rules. In addition, they can dial *LSP (*577) from a cell phone to report aggressive or impaired drivers. Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 931-8735 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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