Unrestrained Provencal Man Killed in Crash, Alcohol Usage Suspected Factor

Natchitoches Parish – Earlier tonight, a single vehicle crash killed a man from Provencal, LA that was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol usage is a suspected factor in the crash.

Troopers responded to the crash around 6:30 p.m., which occurred on LA Hwy 117 north of Provencal. The crash involved a 2000 Ford pickup, driven by Waymon L. Dale (W/M 67 yrs). The Ford was southbound on LA Hwy 117 when Dale lost control and exited the right side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, the vehicle collided with a tree.

Dale was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!” Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Not wearing a seat belt remains the leading cause of death in motor vehicle crashes.

Troop E Troopers have investigated 45 fatal crashes in 2016, resulting in 50 fatalities.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire District #4, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, and Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene.

Contact Information:
M/T Daniel “Scott” Moreau
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Alexandria Region