A Vernon Parish man suffered moderate injuries in a single-vehicle crash on Feb. 9 around 7:36 am on Hwy. 117, South of Provencal, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Parish Fire District #4, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a crash detection report of a single-vehicle crash with possible injuries and entrapment. Units arrived on scene finding the sole occupant of the vehicle suffering from moderate injuries. Responding units were able to able to open the vehicle door confirming no entrapment.
According to LSP, a 24-year-old Leesville man operating a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling northbound on La. Hwy 117 entering a curve south of Provencal near Slaughter Road. The driver apparently failed to negotiate the curve and exited the road on the left side. The vehicle then continued to travel off the road striking multiple trees.
The driver properly restrained in the vehicle informed investigating troopers he was distracted by his cellphone.
He was transported from the scene by EMS to a regional trauma center with moderate injuries.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes that may result in injury or death. Always pay attention to the road and avoid distractions while operating a vehicle. Drive safely.
TFC J. Axsom investigated the crash.
