Unrestrained teenager killed in Ascension Parish fatal crash

Saturday afternoon shortly after 12 noon, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred on I-10 westbound west of LA Hwy 22 in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of 16 year old Baton Rouge resident Gary Clark, Jr.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as an unlicensed 16 year old juvenile male from Baton Rouge was driving a 2006 Cadillac CTS westbound on I-10 in the left hand lane. For unknown reasons, the Cadillac ran off of the roadway to the left and struck several trees in the median. Clark, Jr.(a rear seat passenger in the vehicle) was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained fatal injuries from the crash. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of seatbelt use. Louisiana law requires that every person in a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Statistics show that the chances of surviving a violent crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Taking the time to buckle up before every trip is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

Troopers also remind drivers that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Troopers will continue to enforce Louisiana's DWI laws across the state and remain committed to a public education campaign to end impaired driving. Have a plan and designate a driver before you decide to operate a vehicle while impaired.