Rapides Parish, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police Troop E arrived at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 496 near Cooper Road on March 23, 2024, around 12:40 p.m. The crash resulted in the death of Maxwell Smith, a 61-year-old resident of Deridder, Louisiana.

The first examination showed that Smith was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle from 2001 on Louisiana Highway 496 heading west. It is still unclear why Smith was unable to make a left turn and ended up leaving the road, hitting a warning sign, and being thrown from the motorcycle.

Smith was wearing a helmet, but the helmet was not a DOT approved helmet according to police. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. Samples for routine toxicology tests were taken and will be analyzed. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

Louisiana Troopers recommend that all riders participate in a certified motorcycle safety course. These courses educate riders on safe riding techniques and how to implement strategies that can minimize the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

When riding a motorcycle, making wise decisions like not riding under the influence and following traffic laws can be the difference between life and death. If drivers see dangerous situations, they can call *LSP (*577) to reach the nearest Troop and report the activity.

In the year 2024, Troop E Troopers have looked into 15 deadly accidents that led to 17 deaths.