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An Evergreen man died Thursday evening in a fatal traffic crash near Evergreen.

Johnny Keith Esteban Betton, 29, sustained fatal injuries in the single-vehicle crash at approximately 7:20 p.m. Thursday when the 2014 Kia Forte he was driving left the roadway and struck several trees.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division responded to the scene, where they discovered Betton.

“Betton was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said ALEA Corporal Reginald King.

The crash occurred on Interstate Highway 65 near mile marker 110, just 18 miles north of Evergreen in Butler County. Nothing further is available as Troopers continue to investigate the crash.

According to King, Troopers have investigated 317 traffic fatalities so far this year, which is down from the number reported this time last year. Of those 249 victims had the ability to put on a seatbelt, which means that the vehicle they operated had an accessible seat belt, and 131, or 53%, chose not to use them. 

“A seat belt is the single most effective tool vehicles are equipped with that help to keep you safe in the event you are involved in a traffic crash,” King said. “It only takes three to four seconds to properly buckle up, meaning you take your position in the seat, grab the buckle, pull it across your body, and lock it.”

King emphasized motorists can experience a fatal crash in the same few seconds and urges drivers to take that time to buckle up properly.

“If you’re involved in a traffic crash, it only takes those same two or three seconds to be violently killed,” King said. “People do not just die in traffic crashes. Traffic crashes are violent ways to die. So, take a few extra moments and make sure everyone in the vehicle is not just buckled up, but buckled up properly. The law states that if you’re not wearing it properly, it’s just like you’re not wearing it at all.”