ALBANY--Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a single-vehicle crash Thursday that claimed the life of an unrestrained driver, said TFC Russell G. Graham II, Public Information Officer.

The crash occurred on Interstate 12 westbound at the Albany exit at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 11.

Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that Bruce Beever, 74, of Hammond, was driving a 2003 GMC pickup west on I-12 when he exited the interstate at Albany, lost control of the vehicle and slid off the roadway to the right, Graham said.

The pickup continued off the roadway through a ditch and overturned.

Beever, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, was partially ejected and sustained fatal injuries, said Graham.

He was pronounced dead on the scene by the Livingston Parish Coroner’s Office, Graham reports.

Troopers do not suspect impairment to have been a factor in the crash. However, Troopers have submitted a sample of Beever’s blood to the LSP Crime Lab for chemical analysis.

Troopers remind motorists of the importance of seat belt use. Louisiana law requires that every person in a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up.

The safest place to be during a rollover crash is properly restrained INSIDE the vehicle.

Statistics show that chances of surviving a violent crash are increased significantly when properly restrained.

BUCKLE UP…SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES!!!