Two Juveniles Injured In St. Landry Parish Crash

St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office Captain Megan Vizena says a traffic crash around 6:15 Wednesday evening at the intersection of East Courtableau Road east of Port Barre left two juveniles injured.

The collision involved an all terrain vehicle and a car.

Captain Vizena stated,

“At approximately 6:17p.m., on July 24, 2013, the St. Landry 911 Communication Center received a call regarding a traffic accident on East Courtableau road east of Port Barre involving a motor vehicle and a 4-wheeler. Deputies quickly responded to the accident where it was learned that both the operator and the passenger of the 4 wheeler were 15 year old juveniles. Witnesses stated the atv entered the roadway from the north directly in the path of a motor vehicle traveling west on Courtableau road.”

The captain says she can't stress enough the importance of wearing a helmet.

Vizena said,

“Safety helmets were not being worn by the juveniles at the time of the crash. Both victims were transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. The driver of the motor vehicle was wearing a seat belt and was not injured in the crash. “

Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz said,

“Louisiana law requires that the atv operator have a valid Class “E” driver’s license. ATVs are not allowed on a roadway unless it is registered as a vehicle engaged in the business of actual farming.  We want to remind atv operators about the importance of wearing a helmet when riding. Appropriate helmets can help to reduce injuries sustained to riders in the event of a crash."

Information about Louisiana State Law regarding ATV operation on public roadways can be found at http://legis.la.gov/lss/lss.asp?doc=88237.