A 41-year-old Louisiana sheriff's deputy died in a four-vehicle crash occurring last week in the morning. He was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the car accident, according to statements made by a state trooper summoned to the scene. It is reported that he was hit by a dangerous driver. Reckless driving or distracted driving can often cause fatalities, and not wearing a seatbelt can decrease the chances of surviving serious injury in such an accident.

The officer was on duty when his police cruiser was struck head on by a Ford Focus driven by a 28-year-old male motorist. The driver of the Focus crossed the center line and crashed into the police. Two other vehicles became involved in the accident, including a Dodge Stratus, driven by a 44-year-old female, which struck the deputy's cruiser in the rear, and then hit a pick-up truck driven by a 42-year-old male motorist.

Sadly, the deputy was pronounced dead at the hospital following the crash. The driver of the Focus who reportedly caused the accident was also not wearing a seat belt at the time, and is now in critical condition at the hospital where he was taken after the accident. He faces charges for failing to wear his seat belt, as well as for driving left of center.

The other two motorists involved in the accident suffered only minor injuries. Both of them were wearing their seat belts when the crash occurred. The police investigation of the accident is continuing, including an examination of routine toxicology samples taken from each driver. If the driver who crossed the center line was intoxicated, distracted or otherwise negligent, he will likely face additional charges. He may also be held liable for any injuries he caused as a result of the devastating accident.

Source: KATC, "Deputy in fatal accident not wearing seatbelt," Tonya LaCoste, Jan. 18, 2012