Police: Bus driver killed in crash wasn't belted

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. — A school bus driver killed in a single-vehicle crash here on Tuesday was not wearing her seat belt, police said.

Troopers responded to the crash around 6:35 a.m. According to the Louisiana State Police, the driver lost control of the bus, exited the left side of the highway and struck several trees and a fence before traveling down an embankment.

Police said it is suspected that a medical condition was the primary cause of the crash. The driver was identified as 67-year-old Alberta Conlay of Chestnut, La.

"Conlay was not wearing her seat belt and was pronounced dead," police said in a news release.

There were no children on the bus at the time of the crash.

Routine toxicology tests were pending, and the crash remained under investigation.

Louisiana State Police took the opportunity to remind motorists of the importance of buckling up.

"Properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash," police said. "We ask you to take one second to 'buckle up!'"

Other articles related to bus driver seat belt use:

• State directors: Why we do it this way

• Report: Bus driver wasn’t wearing seat belt during crash