State Police responded to a fatal single-car crash on I-293 south in Bedford in the early morning hours of Dec. 21. Courtesy photo by Jeffrey Hastings

BEDFORD – Seatbelts were the difference between life and death during an early morning crash on Interstate 293 south in Bedford.

According to State Police, troopers responded to the scene at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Dec. 21.

The driver of the Chevy Malibu was identified as Kayla Ramirez, 27, of Manchester. She was accompanied by Shaylynn Price, 19, of Pittsfield.

The preliminary investigation suggested that the vehicle drifted to the left before colliding head-on with a guardrail end cap. The impact of the crash reportedly sent the vehicle spinning down the highway.

According to police, Ramirez was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. Price, who was believed to be wearing a seatbelt, survived the crash and was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The I-293 ramp near Rt. 101 was shut down for five hours following the crash.

The incident remains under investigation.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has further information, to contact Trooper Edward Perciballi at Edward.M.Perciballi@dos.nh.gov or the police dispatch line at 603-223-4381.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts are proven to reduce the risk of traffic fatalities by 45 percent.