A Louisiana man was killed and others were injured in a two-vehicle crash on US 165 involving a garbage truck.

Louisiana State Police Troop D was called to a deadly two-vehicle crash on US Hwy 165, approximately half a mile south of Ikes Road in Allen Parish, around 7:30 a.m. on September 11, 2023. Tragically, the collision resulted in the death of 33-year-old Terrance Dewayne Dartez from Elton, Louisiana.

The original investigation found that the driver of a 2019 Mack (a rear loader garbage truck) was heading southbound on US 165, and was decelerating while shifting onto the road’s shoulder for trash pickup. A 2012 Ford F350 pickup truck, driven by 38-year-old Kevin Todd Miller from Kinder, Louisiana was also traveling southbound on US 165 and was approaching the garbage truck from behind. As the garbage truck was slowing down, Miller did not decrease his speed. Just before the collision, Miller attempted to dodge it by veering to the left. However, the front passenger side of the Ford collided with the left rear of the garbage truck.

Dartez, who was not appropriately restrained, suffered deadly injuries and was confirmed dead at the spot. Miller, also not properly restrained, endured moderate injuries and was moved to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Both the driver and the passenger of the garbage truck, who were correctly restrained, also suffered moderate injuries. They were also carried to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Samples for toxicity tests were taken from both drivers and will go under examination. Miller was issued a citation for reckless driving and not wearing a seat belt. The investigation into this crash is still ongoing.

Louisiana State Troopers emphasize that drivers must always exercise sound judgment when on the roads. They should avoid operating vehicles while under the influence, tired, or distracted, and adhere to all traffic rules. These simple safety measures can sometimes be the deciding factor between surviving or not.

So far in 2023, Troop D has conducted inquiries into 25 lethal collisions, which resulted in a total of 28 fatalities.