At approximately 7:55 a.m. Tuesday, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 16, near Louisiana Highway 1072 in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of 78-year-old Franklinton resident Violet Jones.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the 2006 Dodge Durango, operated by Jones, was traveling westbound on Highway 16, near mile marker 90, east of Highway 1072. Troopers suspect that Jones possibly experienced a medical emergency while driving. Jones, for reasons under investigation, veered to the left, crossed the center line and traveled off the left portion of the roadway. The Dodge continued down an embankment, overturned and came to rest in a ditch. Jones was pronounced dead on the scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office.

Jones was restrained, and impairment is not suspected, however a toxicological analysis will be performed. Those results are pending as this crash remains under investigation.

Troopers urge motorists to avoid distractions, remain vigilant behind the wheel and always buckle up.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury.

Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. Taking the time to always buckle up is the single most effective thing individuals can do to protect themselves in a crash.