Shortly after noon on Thursday, a 59-year-old Vacherie woman was tragically killed as another vehicle crossed the center line and struck her vehicle, said Tpr. Evan Harrell, La. State Police.

The investigation revealed that a 2009 Ford F-250, driven by Lionel Temple, 27, of Vacherie, was traveling westbound on La. Hwy. 18 in St. James Parish when for unknown reasons, the F-250 crossed the center line and entered the eastbound lane of LA 18, Harrell said.

The F-250 struck a 1998 Nissan 200, driven by Linda Dupard, 59, also of Vacherie, who was traveling eastbound on La. 18. Temple was not wearing a seat belt and was transported to St. James Hospital with moderate injuries.

A 30-year-old passenger with Temple, who was not wearing a seat belt, was also transported to St. James Hospital with moderate injuries, said Harrell.

Dupard was pronounced dead on the scene by the St. James Parish Coroner’s Office, said Tpr. Harrell.

Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, and blood was taken from Temple. The test results will be pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, Harrell reported.

Routine toxicology tests are pending for Dupard and this crash remains under investigation.

Troopers remind motorists to always be aware of their surroundings. Taking the time to drive defensively can mean the difference between getting in a crash and avoiding one. Troopers also stress 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.

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