An unrestrained Louisiana driver was killed in a morning two-vehicle crash on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish.

Troopers from the Louisiana State Police Troop L started looking into a deadly two-car collision that happened around 7:30 a.m. on July 27, 2023, on LA Hwy 16 at McDaniel Road in St. Helena Parish. The crash led to the death of 80-year-old Frances Johnson from Amite, Louisiana.

The preliminary probe indicated that a 2007 model Ford Edge, driven by Johnson, was stopped at a stop sign situated on McDaniel Road, intersecting LA Hwy 16. Concurrently, a 2016 model Peterbilt 567 moved westward on LA Hwy 16. Unexplained causes led the Ford to venture onto LA Hwy 16, crossing into the path of the Peterbilt. This resulted in the Peterbilt crashing into the driver’s side of the Ford.

Johnson was not properly secured and suffered significant injuries in the crash. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she eventually died due to her injuries. The Peterbilt driver was secured and was left uninjured. For further investigation, normal toxicology tests were taken from both drivers. The investigation of this accident is still ongoing.

LSP indicated that while it’s true that some crashes cannot be survived, data illustrates that correctly utilizing your seatbelt significantly lessens the likelihood of sustaining injuries or fatalities during a collision. It’s mandatory according to Louisiana law for all occupants in a vehicle, irrespective of where they’re seated, to consistently keep their seat belts fastened. Putting on your seatbelt appropriately ranks among the most efficient methods to protect your life and minimize harm in crashes.