Lack of seat belt use was a factor in St. Bernard Parish fatal crash; wife of a former Parish Council member killed when she was ejected from a vehicle that was flipped over when struck

On Sunday, April 13, at about 2:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a fatal crash on Louisiana 46 near Stay Park Road in which the wife of a former Parish Council member was killed and he was injured.

The crash claimed the life of 44 year-old Paula Everhardt of St. Bernard. Her husband, Fredrick Everhardt, 45, who served on the St. Bernard Parish Council from 2008 to 2012, was injured in the crash in wich their vehicle was struck and flipped over, ejecting Mrs. Everhardt.

The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending, State Police said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Brian Phillips, 45, of Pearl River, La., was driving a 2006 Ford F-150 with a boat trailer on Louisiana 46 west in the right lane, State Police said.

Philipps was approaching a 1997 Nissan truck, driven by Fredrick Everhardt.

The Nissan was traveling at a slower speed than the Ford and when Phillips realized this he attempted to avoid hitting the Nissan by swerving to the left, State Police said.

The Ford F-150 impacted the Nissan on the rear left bumper, which caused the Nissan to leave the roadway to the right.

The Everhardt’s Nissan overturned and struck a tree. The Ford F-150 also ran off the road to the right, which jack-knifed the truck and trailer.

Fredrick and Paula Everhardt were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and Mrs. Everhardt was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to St. Bernard Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Fredrick Everhardt and Brian Phillips were transported to local hospitals with moderate injuries. Phillips was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Impairment and speed are not considered factors of the crash, State Police said, however, toxicology results for Phillips are pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

Motorists need to remain vigilant at all times while they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, State Police said. Troopers remind motorists to avoid distractions while driving. Distractions, such as cell phones, passengers, radios, etc., take a driver’s focus away from the road. When focus is taken away from the road, the serious injury and fatality crash rate rises.

Seat belts also greatly enhance your chances of surviving a motor vehicle crash. Seat belts prevent ejection from vehicles and Louisiana law requires the use of seat belts in every seating position.

“Please make good decisions behind the wheel; buckle up each and every ride, drive sober and place your full attention on the road and other motorists,’’ a State Police statement said.