Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, Louisiana State Police Troop C investigated a vehicle crash on Southdown Mandalay Road in Terrebonne Parish where one man was killed and another seriously injured, Tpr. Evan Harrell of Louisiana State Police said.

The investigation revealed that a 1995 Honda Accord was traveling westbound on Southdown Mandalay Road near box number 4134. For unknown reasons, the Accord traveled off the road to the left in a straightaway and struck an embankment. The embankment caused the Accord to overturn and strike a utility pole before coming to rest, said Harrell.

The Accord was driven by Dustin Prince, 24, of Houma.

Prince, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead on scene by the Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office, Harrell said.

Joseph Folse, 21, of Houma, was a passenger in the vehicle. Folse was transported to Terrebonne General Medical Center with serious injuries, said Harrell.

Investigating Troopers suspect that speed may have been a factor in the crash, Harrell said. Alcohol use is unknown at this time and routine toxicology tests are pending.

This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers remind motorists of the dangers of impaired driving. While there have been fewer deaths associated with impaired driving in recent years, there is still much room for improvement.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury.

Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. Taking the time to buckle up every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

Motorists who witness hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.