By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

GRAMERCY – A one-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 3125 in St. James Parish Thursday claimed the life of a Lutcher man, according to a release from State Police.

Robert M. Jones, 58, was killed when his 2002 Ford Explorer drifted off the roadway and crashed into a ditch, said Trooper First Class Russell Graham, a spokesman for State Police Troop A. Graham said the accident occurred on La. 3125 near the intersection of Louisiana Highway 641 just before 3 p.m. Thursday.

According to the release, Jones was traveling south on La. 3125 when his vehicle drifted off the roadway to the right. The Explorer traveled about 100 feet before entering a ditch and flipping over. The vehicle came to rest on its roof.

Graham said Jones was not wearing restraints when the accident occurred and sustained severe injuries. Jones was transported to St. James Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The release said driver impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, but a toxicology report is pending. Graham said the incident should serve as a reminder that state law requires seat belts for everyone riding in a motor vehicle regardless of seating position.

“Statistics have shown that the safest place for a person to be during a rollover crash is inside the vehicle,” Graham said. “Please buckle up every time you get in any vehicle.”