An early morning accident left a Robeline man dead. The man was traveling northbound on I-49 in Natchitoches Parish when his Toyota Camry was struck from behind by a tractor trailer. Both vehicles left the road and hit the same tree, the Camry was crushed by the tractor trailer. The driver of the Toyota was announced dead at the scene; the driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured and was cited for reckless operation. Toxicology results are pending.
So far, Louisiana State Troopers have investigated 60 fatal crashes this year resulting in 70 fatalities. Over the years there has been an increase in the hours of service a truck driver can operate his/her big rig on the interstate.
“Fatigue is a problem, especial on a long stretch of interstate.” said David Walker who handles trucking cases for the firm. “If the trucker has his cruise control activated, by the time the rig is on the rear of a passenger vehicle it is too late to avoid the collision,” he added.
