Rapides Parish, Louisiana - Impairment is suspected in a single-vehicle crash that killed an unrestrained driver on LA 113 in Louisiana.
Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 113 near East River Road around 1:00 p.m. on August 20, 2023. Unfortunately, the crash resulted in the death of 64-year-old Alfonso J. Rubio-Araiza of Forest Hill, Louisiana.
The preliminary probe found that Rubio-Araiza was driving down Louisiana Highway 113 heading south when his vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with a tree. The cause of his vehicle veering off the road is still under investigation. After hitting the tree, the vehicle caught on fire and was unidentifiable according to reports from police.
Rubio-Arazia, who was not wearing a seatbelt according to Louisiana State Police, suffered fatal injuries and was confirmed dead at the spot. LSP indicated that it is suspected that impairment played a role in this crash. Standard toxicology tests were conducted and sent for examination. The investigation into this crash is still ongoing.
In a press release about the crash, Louisiana State Police issued a reminder to all drivers that their driving can be affected if they're not feeling their usual selves. Substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and others can have adverse effects on your body, leading to decreased driving abilities. These substances can hamper your vision, distort your perception of time and space, hinder the detailed motor skills required to drive and slow your reaction speed. LSP strongly urges drivers to prepare in advance and appoint a sober person to drive. Failing to do so can lead to lethal outcomes.
Although not every crash can result in survivors, correctly using seat belts can significantly lessen the probability of fatalities and could notably minimize the severity of injuries. Constantly ensuring that all passengers are adequately secured can frequently be the deciding factor between living and dying.
In 2023, a total of 35 deadly accidents were examined by Troop E, which unfortunately led to 40 fatalities.