Louisiana – Louisiana State Police confirmed on November 23, 2022, that soon after 5:30 p.m. on November 22, LSP Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 71 three miles north of US 190 in St. Landry Parish. Benjamin Lee Adams, 38, of Plaucheville, Louisiana, was killed in the collision.

Adams was reportedly driving a 2013 Kia Rio north on US 71, according to the inquiry. At the same time, a 2017 Cadillac XT5 was following an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer south. The Cadillac driver moved into the northbound lane to pass the 18-wheeler. The Cadillac collided with the Kia in the northbound lane of traffic. According to witnesses on the scene, the Kia had no headlights on at the time of the incident.

Adams was unrestrained and died as a result of his injuries. The St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced him deceased at the scene. The Cadillac driver was properly restrained and was transferred to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
Although it is unknown if impairment played a role in the crash, standard toxicological samples were taken from Adams. The driver of the Cadillac provided a breath sample that revealed no alcohol was present. This crash is still being investigated.

Troopers warn motorists to exercise caution during dusk and dawn hours since visibility is limited. Headlights improve visibility and safety. When using your vehicle’s automatic headlight settings, most headlights can be left on. According to Louisiana law, all vehicles on a roadway must have illuminated lamps (headlights) on at all times between sunrise and sunset, during inclement weather, and when there is precipitation. Parking lights and corner markers are not adequate substitutes for headlights.

So far in 2022, Troop I has investigated 56 fatal crashes that have resulted in 63 deaths.