Benton, Louisiana - A 56-year-old Shreveport, Louisiana woman died in a head-on collision on Louisiana Highway 3 near Alden Bridge Loop early morning on August 31, according to Louisiana State Police.

Mary Sparks of Shreveport, Louisiana, was pronounced dead at the scene following the two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on August 31. Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to the incident.

The preliminary investigation shows Sparks was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze northbound on Louisiana Highway 3 when her vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with a southbound 2011 Peterbilt 386. The reason for the centerline departure remains under investigation.

Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the crash. While Sparks sustained fatal injuries, the Peterbilt driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Impairment is not suspected as a factor in the crash involving Sparks, though Louisiana State Police collected standard toxicology samples for analysis as part of their investigation protocol. The samples have been submitted to determine if any substances were present in her system at the time of the incident.

The crash highlights ongoing safety concerns on Louisiana highways, where centerline departures continue to be a significant factor in fatal collisions. Louisiana Highway 3 serves as a major transportation corridor in the region, connecting communities and facilitating commercial traffic.

Louisiana State Police continue their investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.