Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash on I-10 East Claims the Life of a Texas Man

In a tragic incident on May 11, 2023, a fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 10 eastbound, resulting in the death of a man from Texas. The crash led to the closure of all lanes on I-10 Eastbound near LA-975, according to the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). At the time of this article, all lanes on I-10 Eastbound on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge have since reopened. 

The Louisiana State Police Troop investigated the incident shortly after 11:30 p.m. The crash took place near milepost 129 in Iberville Parish. Reports suggest that the man was driving a Toyota Camry eastbound on Interstate 10 when, for reasons yet to be determined, the vehicle came to a halt in the right lane. Tragically, an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer collided with the rear end of the Camry.

Unfortunately, the man driving the Camry succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver of the 18-wheeler remained uninjured. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have obtained toxicology samples from both drivers, which will be analyzed. The cause of the crash is currently unknown.

The investigation into what caused the Atchafalaya Bridge crash is ongoing. Still, we do know what the most common causes of 18-wheeler crashes on interstates are, some of which include the following: 

• Fatigue: exhaustion impairs a driver’s cognitive abilities and reaction times, amplifying the risk of critical errors and contributing to devastating collisions.
• Driving under the influence: impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and delayed reactions pose significant dangers to both the intoxicated driver and other road users
• Blind Spots: they limit the driver’s visibility and increase the risk of accidents when other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects inadvertently enter those obscured areas.
• Mismanagement of cargo: improper loading, inadequate securing, or unbalanced distribution can lead to instability, loss of control, and potentially catastrophic incidents on the road.

While crashes can happen to anyone at any time, there are several things Louisiana drivers can do when driving to help prevent 18-wheeler accidents on the interstate, including

• Follow at a safe distance: staying four to six seconds behind big commercial vehicles will allow drivers more reaction time and reduce the risk of rear-ending collisions if the vehicle in front of them makes any sudden stops or maneuvers. 
• Avoid blind spots: staying out of an 18-wheeler’s “no-zone,” specifically on the sides of or directly behind the vehicle, will ensure the driver is easily visible to the truck driver. 
• Use turn signals early: signaling early will give commercial truck drivers more time to react and maneuver around accordingly.
• Pass cautiously and stay visible: checking for ample space to pass over when driving by an 18-wheeler will help avoid the truck’s blind spots. 

It’s contingent upon every driver to keep the road safe for everyone else on the highways and byways of our great state. Whenever you drive, stay alert and drive defensively to avoid disasters like this one. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are all too common in Louisiana and often lead to catastrophic injuries and, in the worst cases, wrongful death. Dealing with the aftermath of such an incident can be extremely challenging and emotionally draining, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.