Mandeville, Louisiana - On the evening of April 29, 2024, Louisiana State Police Troop L officers arrived at the scene of a deadly crash on Interstate 12 near LA Highway 59 in Mandeville, Louisiana just before 7:00 p.m. The crash resulted in the death of 65-year-old Paul Dugas, Jr. from Covington, Louisiana.

Initial findings showed that Dugas was driving his 2007 Toyota Corolla in a westerly direction on Interstate 12 close to LA Highway 59. The Toyota veered off the road and collided with a tree for reasons that are currently being looked into.

Dugas, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene. Louisiana State Police indicated that at the current point in the investigation, it is unclear if Dugas was impaired at the time of the crash, and the results of routine toxicology tests are still pending.

Excessive speed, driving under the influence, and failure to wear seatbelts are still the main factors leading to deadly crashes. Law enforcement is urging the public to make a plan to avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired. Speeding hinders a driver's ability to navigate safely, increases stopping distances, and prolongs the time it takes to react to a potential hazard. Authorities want to emphasize the significance of making safe choices while driving. Although not all crashes can be survived, wearing a seatbelt significantly decreases the risk of death or severe injury in a collision.