Louisiana Bicyclist Killed in Morning Crash on LA 308

Louisiana – On May 12, 2022, shortly after 5:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop C was notified of a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on Louisiana Highway 308, about a mile south of Louisiana Highway 648. Jerome Cooter, 57, of Thibodaux, was killed in the crash.

According to the preliminary investigation, Cooter was riding his bicycle north on LA Hwy 308 with no rear lighting. At the same time, a 2022 Hyundai Accent was approaching the rear of the bicycle on LA Hwy 308. The driver of the Hyundai attempted to avoid a collision by swerving to the left, but collided with Cooter, ejecting him from the bicycle. Cooter was then hit by a 2007 Ford F-150 and a 2009 Toyota Tacoma, both of which were heading north.
Cooter was not wearing a safety helmet at the time of the crash, and he died as a result of his injuries. The drivers of the remaining vehicles were restrained properly and sustained no injuries.

A toxicology sample was collected from Cooter and will be analyzed. The driver of the Hyundai was not suspected of being intoxicated and provided a voluntary breath sample, which revealed no alcohol. This crash is still being investigated.

Bicyclists in Louisiana are required by law to ride as close to the right side of the road as possible, to have a headlamp and taillamp when riding in low light conditions, and to obey all traffic laws. Additional precautions, such as wearing reflective clothing and avoiding distractions, can help to avoid accidents and injuries.

Troop C has investigated 16 fatal crashes resulting in 17 deaths in 2022.