ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. — One driver is dead after a fatal crash in St. Bernard Parish on LA 47 Thursday morning, according to Louisiana State Police.
Eric M. Pepp Jr., 44, of Chalmette was apparently driving his SUV just north of Marina Road. At the same time, a tractor-trailer was traveling north on LA 47, when Pepp's car hit the back of the tractor-trailer.
State troopers said Pepp was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, suffered fatal injuries, and died on at the scene of the crash.
"Impairment is unknown; speed is believed to be a factor in this crash," Louisiana State Police said on Thursday. "A toxicology sample was obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation."
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt in the crash, according to state police.
Louisiana State Troopers remind motorists it only takes three seconds to "buckle up!".
Louisiana law requires vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions. Not wearing a seat belt remains the leading cause of preventable death in motor vehicle crashes.
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