Impaired Driver Collides with State Police Vehicle
On November 3, 2012, shortly after 5:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D investigated a crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 171 and U.S. Highway 90 in Lake Charles involving a State Police vehicle and another vehicle that resulted in five injuries.
The preliminary investigation revealed a fully marked State Police vehicle driven by Senior Trooper Scott Farris was traveling south on U.S. 171 when a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu traveling west on U.S. 90 driven by 18-year-old Anisha McClinton of Lake Charles failed to stop at a flashing red traffic light at the intersection, resulting in a collision. Trooper Farris had a flashing yellow signal at time of the crash.
McClinton received moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital. In addition, all four passengers in her vehicle also received minor to moderate injuries. No one in McClinton’s vehicle was wearing a seat belt.
Trooper Farris was wearing his seat belt and was not injured.  Alcohol use on the part of McClinton is suspected to be a factor in the crash. McClinton was charged with DWI, disregarding a flashing red signal, and failure to wear a seat belt. Toxicology tests are pending and the crash remains under investigation.
Alcohol consumption can adversely affect motor skills including a driver’s sense of motion, form, and distance. Impaired driving also slows reflexes and increases reaction time. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
In Louisiana, it is illegal for individuals under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. The blood alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 21 is lower than it is for drivers who are 21 or older (.02g % vs. .08g %).
To report impaired drivers, motorists are encouraged to dial *LSP (*577) from their cellular phone or to contact their local law enforcement agency.
Wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves from injury in the event of a crash. Louisiana state law requires vehicle occupants in all seating positions to be properly restrained, day and night. Buckle up Louisiana. Every trip. Every time.