Two people are dead following a fatal traffic wreck in Baton Rouge, which occurred on LA 75 at around 3:00 a.m. Officers from Troop A of the Louisiana State Police investigated the crash, which involved a single utility terrain vehicle. Also known as side by sides, utility terrain vehicles are generally small four-wheel drive off-road vehicles designed to carry two to four passengers.

Troopers with the Louisiana State Police say that the motor vehicle accident occurred as a 25-year-old Plaquemine man was driving his utility terrain vehicle across the highway from north to south. The man attempted to steer the vehicle into a driveway, but missed. This caused the vehicle to collide with a ditch embankment at a high rate of speed, injuring the driver and his two passengers. Both passengers, age 27 and 18, died as a result of their injuries. The driver was taken to a Baton Rouge medical care facility to be treated for his wounds. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Investigators collected a blood sample from the driver to send to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for toxicology testing. However, they do not currently suspect the driver was impaired at the time of the accident. No charges have been filed against the driver pending the completion of the Louisiana State Police's ongoing investigation into the accident.

Troopers with the Louisiana State Police said that none of the occupants in the utility terrain vehicle were wearing seat belts, though the vehicle is equipped with them. They urge drivers of utility terrain vehicles and all-terrain vehicles not to take them on public roadways, as this is illegal and such crafts are designed specifically for off-road use.

Source: KLFY, "LA 75 Crash Kills Two," Jan. 16, 2012