Motorcyclist succumbs to Injuries following LA 10 Crash

Washington Parish, LA – Following a crash yesterday afternoon at approximately 3:30 pm, a Mississippi motorcyclist was pronounced dead overnight while being treated for serious injuries at University Hospital in New Orleans, LA.  The crash took place on LA 10 approximately 6 miles west of Franklinton near the intersection of Erwin Road in Washington Parish.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Richard Miller, (W/M age 32) of Carriere, MS, was operating his 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on LA 10 when, for unknown reasons, he failed to negotiate a left hand curve and lost control of the bike.  As the motorcycle fell onto its right side, Miller was ejected from the bike sliding across the double yellow centerline and coming to rest in the westbound lane of LA 10.

Miller was wearing a non-DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash and was transported to Riverside Medical Center in serious condition.  Due to the severity of his injuries, Miller was later transferred to University Hospital in New Orleans where he succumbed to his injuries.  Alcohol and/or drug impairment is not suspected with the results of a toxicology exam pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

Motorcycle helmets save lives. To help protect the lives of motorcycle riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet specific Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards. This standard defines minimum levels of performance that helmets must meet to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash.  Despite scientific evidence showing that DOT approved helmets reduce deaths and injuries to motorcycle riders, many riders choose to wear uncertified helmets, often called “novelty” helmets.  In general, these “novelty” helmets have little or no impact attenuating lining inside their shells, are not made to withstand the penetration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, and their retention systems do not ensure that the helmets stay fastened on motorcycle riders’ heads in the event of a crash.  A “novelty” helmet is easily identified by the absence of a manufacturer placed label with the symbol “DOT” on the rear of the helmet.  In addition, the design and weight of a helmet, thickness of the inner liner, and the quality of the chin strap and rivets are extra clues to help distinguish safe helmets from noncompliant ones.  Motorcycle riders can find more information on helmet guidelines and rider safety courses by visiting http://lahighwaysafety.org/motorcycle.html.