Duson, Louisiana – A fatal vehicle crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 343 near Landry Road on August 6, 2024, claiming the life of 39-year-old Lawrence Hebert of New Iberia, Louisiana. According to the Louisiana State Police Troop I, the incident happened shortly after 8:00 p.m. when a 2013 GMC Sierra struck Hebert from behind while he was riding a bicycle southbound on LA 343.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Hebert was not wearing a helmet, and his bicycle lacked essential safety features, including lights and reflectors. The driver of the GMC Sierra, who was properly restrained, sustained no injuries.
Although impairment was not suspected, the driver voluntarily provided a breath sample, which showed no alcohol detected. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Hebert and submitted for analysis.
Hebert suffered severe injuries in the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities urging cyclists to adhere to state safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.
In Louisiana, state law (LRS 32:329.1) mandates bicycles to be equipped with specific lighting and reflectors to enhance visibility and promote safety when riding at night or in low-light conditions. Cyclists are required to have a white light in the front, a red light in the rear, both visible from at least 500 feet away, as well as a rear reflector visible from 100 feet away and side-mounted reflectors visible from 100 to 600 feet.
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission emphasizes the importance of bicycle safety, providing resources and guidelines for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists on its website (https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/).