Early Morning Crash on LA 16 Claims The Life of Two Louisiana Drivers

Washington Parish, Louisiana – Two Louisiana drivers lost their lives in a crash on LA 16 early in the morning of May 9.

On May 9, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) reported that Troopers with Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle crash on LA 16 East at Sunlight Road in Washington Parish shortly after 12:00 a.m. The crash claimed the lives of Robin Polk, 43, of Franklinton, Louisiana, and Isabella Perez, 20, of Angie, Louisiana.

Polk was driving a 2012 Nissan Altima west on Louisiana 16, according to the preliminary inquiry. At the same time, Perez was driving a 2013 BMW Mini Cooper east on LA 16. According to reports from police,  Polk crossed the center line, entered the eastbound lane, and collided head-on with the Mini Cooper for unknown reasons.

Polk, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, died at the scene. Perez also died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities indicated that it is unknown if Perez was restrained or not. A toxicological sample was acquired from both drivers as part of the continuing inquiry and will be analyzed. This crash is still being investigated.

LSP indicated that impaired drivers are responsible for nearly half of all fatal crashes in Louisiana. Alcohol and other substances have an impact on your vision, fine motor abilities, and reaction times. Before drinking any alcohol or drugs, drivers should make a plan for a safe ride home, because if you feel different, you drive differently. Furthermore, taking just 3 seconds to buckle up will significantly improve your odds of surviving a crash. Drivers must ensure that all occupants are appropriately secured in all seating positions at all times of day and night.