Unrestrained Louisiana Woman Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in Two-Vehicle Crash on US 71

Louisiana – On Tuesday, August 2, 2022, just before 8:00 a.m., Troopers assigned to LSP Troop E began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on US Highway 71 at Gene Ball Road. Laura Lee, 35, of Boyce, Louisiana, was killed in this crash. Authorities indicated that Lee was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The initial investigation found that Lee was driving a 2009 Jeep Wrangler south on US Highway 71, behind a 2015 Toyota Corolla. Lee collided with the rear of the Toyota for unknown reasons. Both vehicles were forced off the road as a result of the collision. The Jeep overturned after leaving the road.

Lee, who was not restrained, was ejected from the vehicle. She was taken to Rapides Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Both occupants of the Toyota were properly secured; the driver was not harmed, while the passenger was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

According to Louisiana State Police, impairment is not thought to be a factor in this incident; however, routine toxicological samples were gathered and sent for investigation. The accident is still being investigated.

While not all vehicle crashes are avoidable, statistics suggest that wearing your seat belt properly reduces your chances of being hurt or killed in an accident. Louisiana law requires that everyone in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, wear their seat belts at all times. Wearing your seat belt correctly is one of the most efficient strategies to save your life and limit injuries in a car accident.

So far in 2022, Troop E has investigated 21 fatal crashes, resulting in 22 deaths.