Unbelted driver loses vehicle control, strikes I-10 guard rail, barriers near Siegen Lane, dies

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on I-10 westbound near Siegen Lane in East Baton Rouge Parish.
The crash took the life of 51-year-old Patricia M. Martello of Independence.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Martello was driving a 2005 Honda Element westbound on I-10.
For unknown reasons, Martello’s Honda struck the right side guardrail of I-10. After striking the guardrail the Honda travel across three lanes of I-10 and struck the inside barrier causing the vehicle to rotate and come to rest facing east in the left lane of I-10.
Investigating Troopers believe that Martello was unrestrained at the time of the crash. She was transported from the scene to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge where she died.
Driver impairment is unknown at this time, but a toxicology sample was taken from Martello and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of seat belt use.