Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash in East Baton Rouge Parish which claimed the life of a Clinton woman, said TFC Russell G. Graham in a news release.

The crash occurred on La. Hwy. 409 (Liberty Road) north of La. Hwy. 64 shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, Graham said.

Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that Matthew Harding, 30, of Greenwell Springs, was driving a 2006 GMC pickup north on La. 409 when he crossed the center line and struck an oncoming 2005 Toyota Corolla, said Graham.

The driver of the Corolla, Nancy Pierce, 48, of Clinton, was pronounced deceased on the scene by the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office, TFC Graham said.

A sample of Pierce’s blood has been submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis, while Harding voluntarily submitted a breath sample that showed he had no detectable alcohol in his system, said Graham.

Harding also provided a urine sample, which Troopers have submitted to the LSP Crime Lab for chemical analysis.

Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Harding was properly restrained at the time of the crash, and it is unknown at this time whether Pierce was properly restrained, Graham said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Troopers remind motorists to pay close attention while driving a vehicle at all times. Inattentive drivers account for a large number of serious crashes across the state every year.

You can effectively reduce the chances of being involved in a crash by ensuring that you are well-rested, alert and attentive while driving.

The single most effective thing you can do to avoid injury or death in a crash is to wear a seat belt at all times, regardless of your seating position.