Texting and Driving Accident in Louisiana Amputates Sanitation Worker’s Leg

On May 31st at 8:15 a.m., a car accident involving a Toyota RAV4 and garbage truck was reported near LA 611 in Jefferson Parish. Sanitation workers were parked at the intersection of River Road and Shrewsbury Road in Metairie when May Wen failed to stop promptly and crashed into one of the workers. 

She pinned the victim between the truck and car, injuring them severely. Luckily the fire department arrived at the scene in time to save the victim’s life. However, the worker ended up having to amputate their leg later on. 

Admitting that the crash happened because she was texting, Wen was arrested and charged with negligent injuring, careless operation, and use of a telecommunications device.

Law Against Distracted Driving in Louisiana

Texting while driving is one of the most common types of distracted driving, and accidents resulting from this often have serious repercussions. Louisiana distracted driving law states that using a cellular device, whether texting, browsing social media, or talking on the phone in a school zone, is illegal for all drivers. 

Underaged drivers have no allowance for phone use on the road, and those with a Class E license or permit may use their cell phones hands-free. The only instances in which phone use is accepted in Louisiana are contacting emergency services, using a GPS for navigation, and reporting incidents to the police. 

Statistics on Vehicle Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving 

Unfortunately, many people disregard Louisiana’s distracted driving laws on a daily basis, which often leads to serious and sometimes fatal vehicle accidents. In 2020, 23,010 citizens sustained injuries from distracted driving accidents, and from 2016 to 2020, 193 died. 

Tragedies from texting and driving accidents can be easily avoided, and no one should be the victim of someone’s reckless and unlawful actions. Burdens that victims and their loved ones face are time-consuming and stressful and usually consist of costly hospital bills, paying for vehicle repairs, and dealing with insurance companies.