On Sunday, September 1, 2024, shortly before 12:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 146 east of LA Hwy 145. The crash claimed the life of 54-year-old Sherman Dotson of Ruston.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Dotson was driving east on LA Hwy 146 in a 2007 Honda Pilot. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree.
Dotson, who was unrestrained, was ejected and suffered severe injuries. He was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and died. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Nearly half of the fatal crashes in Louisiana are caused by impaired drivers. Alcohol and other drugs affect your visual ability, fine motor skills, and reaction times. Drivers should have a plan for a safe ride home before consuming any alcohol and/or drugs because if you feel different, you drive different.
Additionally, taking just three seconds to buckle up can greatly increase your chances of surviving a crash. It is important for drivers to make sure that both themselves and their passengers are safely secured in every seat, whether it be day or night.
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