| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 993 | 2013-01-15 | Troop A | Distracted Driving a Factor in Ascension Parish Fatal Crash |
| TROOP A NEWS RELEASE January 15, 2013 Distracted Driving a Factor in Ascension Parish Fatal Crash Gonzales - This morning shortly before 11:15 am, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on LA Hwy 931 at Joe Sevario / Roddy Road in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of 83 year old Gonzales resident Audrey S. Wells. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 23 year old Denham Springs resident Travis R. Parent, Jr. was driving a 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck westbound on LA Hwy 931. At the same time, Wells was driving a 1993 Lincoln Town Car southbound on Joe Sevario Road. Wells stopped at the four-way stop sign on Joe Sevario Road at LA Hwy 931. As she was attempting to continue traveling southbound onto Roddy Road, Parent, Jr. approached the intersection. He failed to stop for the four-way stop sign and struck the Town Car driven by Wells. Despite the fact that she was wearing a seatbelt, Wells sustained fatal injuries from the crash. Driver impairment on the part of Parent, Jr. is unknown at this time; however, Troopers have submitted a toxicology sample from him to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Troopers believe that a mobile device inside of his vehicle distracted Parent, Jr. at the time of the crash. He was arrested by Troopers and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail for Negligent Homicide, Reckless Operation, and Felony Disregarding of a Stop Sign. The crash is still under investigation, and further charges may be pending. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists of the dangers of distracted driving. Inattentive and distracted drivers account for a large number of serious crashes across the state every year. You can effectively reduce the chances of being involved in a crash by ensuring that while behind the wheel of a vehicle you remain focused solely on the task of driving. 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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