Separate car crashes Saturday in Lincoln Parish resulted in the loss of two lives over the weekend.
Just after 2 p.m., Louisiana State Police (LSP) Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred on Interstate 20 east of LA Hwy 3074 and claimed the life of 68-year-old Steve Long of Simsboro.
LSP officials said the preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Nissan Xterra, driven by Long, was traveling west on Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan exited the roadway and collided with a parked 2019 Freightliner.
Long, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at Oschner LSU Health in Shreveport. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.
Only hours later, just after 5 p.m., LSP Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred on Diamond Lane in Ruston and claimed the life of 62-year-old Herman Smith of Ruston.
LSP said the preliminary investigation revealed a 1996 Buick LaSabre, driven by Smith, was traveling east on Diamond Lane when, for reasons still under investigation, the Buick exited the roadway and impacted a parked Nissan Altima that was not occupied.
It is unknown if Smith was restrained. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Lincoln Parish Coroner.
LSP officials said impairment is not suspected to be a factor in either crash; however, toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. Both crashes remain under investigation.
Although the exact cause of the crashes remains under investigation, troopers said they would like to remind the public inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in Louisiana, adding that it is important for motorists to pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving and to get plenty of rest in order to remain alert.
In 2022, Troop F has investigated 14 fatal crashes resulting in 18 fatalities.
