Church Point, LA – A two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 98 (Grand Prairie Highway) near Canadian Lane claimed the life of a Church Point man early Tuesday morning, January 28. The incident occurred just after 6:00 a.m. and remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police.
According to preliminary reports, 63-year-old Alphonse Credeur of Church Point was driving a 2017 Ram 1500 eastbound on Grand Prairie Highway when the vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with a westbound 2001 Peterbilt 18-wheeler. The circumstances that led to the vehicle crossing the centerline are still unclear and are part of the ongoing investigation.
Credeur, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The driver of the 18-wheeler, who was properly restrained, was uninjured in the incident. Although there were no signs of impairment from the truck driver, a voluntary breath sample was taken, which showed no alcohol present. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Credeur and will be analyzed to determine if impairment was a factor in the crash.
Troopers are urging motorists to be vigilant about the importance of seatbelt use. While seatbelt usage is often overlooked, it significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. According to law enforcement, wearing a seatbelt distributes crash forces across the body’s strong bones, providing vital protection during a collision.
Distracted and reckless driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in Louisiana, and state police encourage all drivers to follow traffic laws and remain focused behind the wheel.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Authorities have not ruled out any potential contributing factors and will continue to gather information as they piece together the events leading up to the fatal collision.
State police remind all motorists that practicing safe driving habits, including wearing seatbelts and avoiding distractions, can save lives on the road.