Unlicensed and Unrestrained Louisiana Teen Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash on I-49 After Colliding with 18-Wheeler 

St. Landry Parish, Louisiana – An unlicensed, unrestrained teen from Louisiana was killed in a two-vehicle crash after colliding with an 18-wheeler on I-49.

Louisiana State Police stated on January 17, 2023, that on January 16, 2023, shortly after 9:00 p.m., LSP Troop I received a call of a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 near mile marker 22 in St. Landry Parish. Jaquanta T. Jason, a 17-year-old female teen from Washington, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The initial investigation by State Police discovered that Jason, who was unlicensed, was traveling south on I-49 in a 2005 Toyota Camry. The Camry reportedly rear-ended a 2015 Volvo 18-wheeler hauling a sugar cane trailer for unknown reasons.

Jason was unrestrained and died at the scene, according to the St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. The 18-wheeler driver was properly restrained and not injured.
A standard toxicology sample was obtained from Jason for analysis. The 18-wheeler driver provided a breath sample that revealed no alcohol was present and displayed no signs of impairment. This crash is still being investigated.

Unfortunately, this incident is an example of the myriad driving issues troopers face on a regular basis. Speeding, inattention, a lack of seat belt use, and inexperience are all key contributors to crashes on our roadways every day. Please make wise decisions behind the wheel since crashes are unexpected, lasting, and avoidable. Follow this link to learn more about the graduated driver’s license.

So far in 2023, Troop I has investigated 7 fatal crashes that resulted in 8 deaths.