While it is often reinforced verbally and illustratively, there is no more chilling reminder about the importance of wearing a seatbelt than a fatal accident.
Sixty-three-year-old Walter Meyer lost his life last week in a car crash on Louisiana Highway 14 in Vermilion Parish. His GMC Sierra truck made contact with a Chevrolet Silverado that was pulling a trailer, which caused Meyer’s car to spin. This occurred when the driver of the Silverado decreased his speed to make a left turn.
Meyer was not wearing a seatbelt and died in a nearby hospital of the injuries he sustained in the accident. The driver of the Silverado was restrained and no injuries were reported.
Unfortunately, another driver who was not restrained in his seat died over the weekend in Louisiana. In a separate incident, 45-year-old Lamontache Williams perished in a crash on US 61 Highway in East Baton Rouge Parish. Sadly, Williams’ life was in jeopardy immediately following the accident, and he passed away at the scene.
In a similar turn of events, Williams’ GMC Terrain struck the back of a dump truck traveling just ahead, which caused Williams’ vehicle to lose control. The dump truck driver was wearing a seatbelt and did not have any reported injuries.
Investigations into both accidents are currently in progress, but substance abuse does not appear to be a factor in either accident at this time.
In light of these tragic events, the Louisiana State Police reminds all drivers and passengers that wearing a seatbelt can help save lives in such high-impact collisions. The authorities are also reminding drivers to keep a safe distance behind the car in front of them so there is time to react and slow down if the vehicle in front does something unexpected.
The Johnson Law Firm would also like to see Louisiana residents safe while on the road. If an accident should happen, please call them at (337) 433-1414, as they have many years of experience representing victims of motor vehicle accidents.