The investigation revealed that a 1996 Isuzu Rodeo was traveling west on LA 182 just past LA 660. The Rodeo was being driven by Juan Martinez-Silva, 56, of Lockport, reports Harrell.
The Rodeo crossed the center line and struck a 2000 Cadillac Deville that was traveling eastbound on LA 182. The Deville was being driven by Belinda Leonard, 48, of Raceland.
After the head-on impact, the Rodeo began to rotate counterclockwise and rolled onto its passenger side, Harrell said.
Martinez-Silva, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office, said TFC Harrell.
Leonard, who was wearing a seat belt, was also pronounced dead on the scene by the Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office, Harrell said.
John Steve, 34, of Raceland, was a passenger in the Deville and also died while in route to the hospital. Steve was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, LSP reports.
Natasha Rogers, 28, of Gray, La., was also a passenger in the Deville and was transported to Terrebonne General Hospital with severe injuries. Rogers was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Alcohol use is unknown at this time, and routine toxicology tests are pending, Harrell said.
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 that witness hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.
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