Stop sign violation results in fatal crash

Published 12:39 pm Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Denham Springs – Shortly before 6:00 pm on March 17, 2021, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 1025(Arnold Road) at the intersection of Burgess Road in Livingston Parish. The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Sharon Schulte of Denham Springs.

The initial investigation revealed Schulte and her passenger were traveling southbound on Burgess Road in a 2014 Nissan Altima. At the same time, a 2017 Ram 2500 was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 1025. As Schulte approached the intersection at LA Hwy 1025, she came to a stop at a stop sign. For reasons still under investigation, Schulte did not clear the intersection, and traveled into the path of the westbound Ram. This resulted in the Ram striking the Nissan on its driver side door.

Despite being properly restrained, Schulte sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.  Schulte’s passenger and the driver of the Ram were also properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries. Both were transported to local hospitals for treatment. As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state.  Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.  A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences. Motorists should keep in mind that simply stopping at a stop sign in not enough. Motorists must also clear the intersection or yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. If motorists witness hazardous situations on any Louisiana highway, they may dial *LSP (*577) to be connected to the nearest Troop to report that activity.