The holiday season turned tragic for the family of a Franklinton man who was killed Sunday night in an accident on Highway 25 near CC Road, just north of the Washington Parish-St. Tammany Parish line.
The accident claimed the life of James tate, 68, of Franklinton.
Louisiana State Police troopers reported that the crash occurred as 56-year-old Joel Smith Jr. of Madisonville was northbound on Highway 25 in a 2019 Ford F-250. At the same time, Tate was southbound on Highway 25 in a 2019 Ford F-150. The preliminary findings revealed the F-250 crossed the centerline into the opposing lane, which resulted in the F-250 striking the F-150.
Despite Tate being properly restrained, he sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. According to State Police impairment is unknown on the part of Tate, but a routine toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis.
Seatbelt use is unknown for Smith. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton. Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash on the part of Smith. A toxicology sample was obtained from Smith and will be submitted for analysis. Troopers said the crash remains under investigation and charges are pending against Smith.
In a statement, the Louisiana State Police have reminded all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription medication, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times.
