Unrestrained Louisiana Driver Killed and Another Injured in Two-Vehicle Towing Crash on LA 55

Published March 31, 2023

Unrestrained Louisiana Driver Killed and Another Injured in Two-Vehicle Towing Crash on LA 55

Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – An unrestrained Louisiana driver was killed and another was injured in a two-vehicle towing crash on LA 55.

On March 30, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated that LSP Troop C was notified of a fatality crash involving two automobiles on Louisiana Highway 55 near Ernestine Court on March 29, soon after 4:00 p.m. Mercedee Vincent, 40, of Chauvin, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

According to preliminary investigations, Don Thibodeaux of Montegut, Louisiana was driving a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer north on LA Highway 55. At the same time, a 1992 Plymouth Voyager driven by Vincent was being hauled behind the Trailblazer using a tow strap. The Voyager failed to slow down as the Trailblazer began to slow and moved into the southbound lane to the left of the Trailblazer. The Voyager then abruptly veered to the right and collided with the Trailblazer on the driver’s side, sending both vehicles off the road to the right before crashing.

Thibodeaux, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, was ejected from the Trailblazer, sustained significant injuries, and was sent to a hospital in the New Orleans region for treatment. Vincent was also not restrained in the Voyager and died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

A standard toxicology sample was collected from Thibodeaux and submitted for analysis. This crash is still being investigated.

Louisiana law allows a vehicle to be towed by another vehicle if certain conditions are met. The rope or chain connection between the vehicles must have a one-square-foot minimum red flag or cloth displayed attached to it during the day or a red light visible from at least 500 feet at night. Furthermore, safety procedures such as employing a strong tow line attached to designated towing locations, ensuring the towed vehicle’s driver can maintain adequate control, and maintaining a safe distance and speed between the vehicles must be prioritized. Stop immediately and seek expert assistance if you feel unsure or unsafe at any stage during the towing process.

So far in 2023, Troop C has investigated 6 fatal crashes that resulted in 7 fatalities.

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