Unrestrained Driver Killed in Head-On Crash in St. Landry Parish
St. Landry Parish – Shortly after 5:30 p.m. on November 22, 2022 Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 71 three miles north of US 190 in St. Landry Parish. The crash claimed the life of 38-year-old Benjamin Lee Adams of Plaucheville.
The preliminary investigation revealed Adams was driving a 2013 Kia Rio north on US 71. At the same time, a 2017 Cadillac XT5 was traveling south behind an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer. The driver of the Cadillac crossed into the northbound lane to pass the 18-wheeler. The Cadillac struck the Kia head-on in the northbound lane of travel. Witnesses at the scene stated the Kia did not have any headlights on at the time of the crash.
Adams was unrestrained and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Cadillac was properly restrained and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Impairment is unknown but standard toxicology samples were obtained from Adams. The driver of the Cadillac submitted a breath sample indicating no alcohol present. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers urge motorists to use caution during dusk and dawn hours as visibility is limited. Headlights make it easier to see and to be scene. Most vehicle headlights can be left on when using your vehicle’s automatic headlight settings. According to Louisiana law, all vehicles on a roadway shall display lighted lamps (headlights) any time between sunrise and sunset, during unfavorable atmospheric conditions, and with precipitation. Parking lights or corner markers are no substitute to headlights.
Troop I has investigated 56 fatal crashes resulting in 63 deaths since the beginning of 2022.
Contact Information:
TFC Thomas Gossen
Louisiana State Police
Troop I Public Affairs
Office: (337) 262-5880
thomas.gossen@la.gov
