One Dead, One Under Arrest In Beauregard Parish Crash

Another statistic on a holiday weekend occurred yesterday near Deridder.  A single car crash claimed the life of one person while the other had minor injuries.  Here is a News Release from the Louisiana State Police:

On July 4, 2011, at approximately 6:06 p.m., troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 171 near Louisiana Highway 26 south of DeRidder in Beauregard Parish that claimed the life of a Dry Creek man.

Investigating troopers report that a 1992 GMC pickup driven by 42-year-old Martin Loren Snyder of DeRidder ran off the left side U.S. 171 while traveling north. Snyder overcorrected and lost control, causing the vehicle to run off the right side of the road and strike a concrete culvert. Snyder, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

A passenger in Snyder’s vehicle, 59-year-old James M. Jackson of Dry Creek, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. Jackson was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries where he was pronounced dead.

Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Snyder was treated for minor injuries then booked into the Beauregard Parish Jail for vehicular homicide, DWI 2nd offense, open container, careless operation, and no seat belt.

A toxicology sample was obtained from the driver and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

This is the third crash in Beauregard Parish in less than a week involving a vehicle occupant who chose not to wear a seatbelt, was ejected, and died. During a crash, the safest place to be is inside the vehicle. The only way to ensure this is to be properly restrained.

Make the Right Choice. Buckle Up Louisiana. Every Trip. Every Time.

Troop D troopers have investigated 11 fatal crashes in 2011, resulting in 13 fatalities.

via Unrestrained Passenger Dies in Beauregard Parish Crash - Louisiana State Police

Please be careful out there and designate a driver before you get behind the wheel impaired and always wear your seat belt.