| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 991 | 2013-01-28 | Troop A | Fatal Crash Claims Life of Improperly Restrained Juvenile |
| TROOP A NEWS RELEASE January 28, 2013 Fatal Crash Claims Life of Improperly Restrained Juvenile Gonzales - This morning shortly before 7:45 am, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred on LA Hwy 44 south of LA Hwy 941 in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of 5 year old Makell Andrews of Sorrento. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 30 year old Anthony K. Andrews of Sorrento was driving a 1999 Chevrolet pickup truck northbound on LA Hwy 44. For unknown reasons Andrews failed to negotiate a left hand curve, and his vehicle ran off the roadway to the right. After leaving the roadway, Andrews attempted to steer his vehicle back onto the roadway causing it to roll. Troopers initially believed that Makell Andrews was unrestrained at the time of the crash. However, further investigation revealed that the juvenile was not properly restrained in a child restraint, and was partially ejected from the vehicle causing fatal injuries. Driver impairment is not suspected at this time; however, Troopers have submitted a toxicology sample from Andrews to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. Louisiana State Law requires the driver of a motor vehicle to ensure that EVERY child under the age of thirteen in a motor vehicle equipped with safety belts is properly secured in the vehicle. Until a child is six years old AND weighs at least sixty pounds, that child is required by law to be restrained in a proper child restraint system. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children in the United States. Many injuries and deaths can be prevented by properly using car seats. It is the responsibility of every parent and caregiver to ensure that the children under their care are as safe as possible at all times. While riding in a motor vehicle, the only way to do this is to ensure the child is properly restrained in a child restraint system. Louisiana State Police Troop A serves as a grant funded Child Passenger Safety fitting station every Tuesday from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available to inspect and to assist with installation of child safety seats. More information regarding child passenger safety can be found at http://www.lahighwaysafety.org/child.html. Contact Information: TFC Jared L. Sandifer Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (225) 754-8524 jared.sandifer@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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