Road rage behind I-310 crash, police say

Road rage led to a two-vehicle accident on I-310 last Friday and caused one of the vehicles involved in the wreck to ram into the guardrail and flip over, according to Louisiana State Police.

The incident occurred when a 2007 Dodge truck, driven by 23-year-old Michael Langley of Independence, was traveling north on I-310 in the left lane at a high rate of speed. A 2006 Ford F-150, driven by 63-year-old Vernell Foster of New Orleans, was traveling directly behind the Dodge in the left lane.

State police say that the Dodge moved into the right lane because the Ford was traveling too closely and that the Ford followed the Dodge into the right lane. When Langley applied the brakes of the Dodge, the Ford swerved into the left lane to avoid hitting the Dodge and instead ran into the left bridge rail, according to the accident report.

Due to the speed prior to the crash and the force of the impact, the Ford flipped over and came to rest in the right lane. Langley, who was driving the Dodge, left the scene of the crash without stopping.

Foster and the passenger in the Ford were transported to St. Charles Parish Hospital with minor injuries and Foster was cited for reckless operation. Troopers received information from witnesses regarding the description of the Dodge and were able to track down Langley. Langley was cited for negligent injuring, reckless operation, hit and run and simple obstruction of a highway.

"Road rage can lead to serious injury and deadly crashes," Trooper spokeswoman Melissa Matey said. "One hundred percent of motor vehicle crashes are preventable and Louisiana State Police would like to remind the public to drive safely and exercise extra patience on the roads this holiday season."

Motorists that witness hazardous situations and possibly impaired drivers are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.