BOSSIER PARISH, LA — On August 7, 2012, shortly after 3:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a two vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Sligo Road about one mile west of Louisiana Highway 157 that claimed the life of an Oklahoma man.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2012 Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by 37-year-old Michael Dodson of Owasso, OK was traveling east on Sligo Road when he entered a curve, crossed the center line, and struck a westbound 1999 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 38-year-old Donald Heaser of Bossier.
Dodson was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash but it was not a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet. Dodson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bossier Parish Coroner. Heaser was wearing a seat belt and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Toxicology samples were obtained from the drivers and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana state law requires anyone who is operating or riding upon any motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle to wear a properly secured approved helmet.
Motorcycle awareness license plates are available through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Please visit their website at www.expresslane.org [1] for more information. Funds generated from the purchase of the plates will be used by the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign to increase awareness and promote/support training and education efforts for motorcyclists.