Louisiana Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by a Vehicle While Attempting to Cross US 61

Laplace, Louisiana - A Louisiana man died on December 12th after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of US 61.

On December 13, 2022, Louisiana State Police reported that on December 12, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Troopers with LSP Troop B responded to a crash involving a pedestrian on US 61 (Airline Highway) at Belle Point Boulevard in Laplace. Laplace, Louisiana resident James Clifford Morrison, Jr., 61, perished as a result of this accident.

Initial inquiry revealed a 2022 Kia Rio was going in the right lane of US 61 east near Belle Point Boulevard. Simultaneously, Morrison attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of U.S. Route 61 just east of the crossroads. Morrison was struck by the Kia as he entered the right lane of eastbound US 61. In the vicinity of the collision, there were no designated crosswalks, and lighting was inadequate. In addition, Morrison wore dark clothing at the time of the collision.

Morrison sustained severe injuries and was then brought to a nearby hospital, where he later died. The Kia's driver and front-seat passenger were both restrained and uninjured throughout the collision.
The driver of the Kia is not suspected of impairment; nevertheless, a blood sample was provided voluntarily and will be analyzed at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Morrison's impairment is unknown, and toxicological samples will be collected for examination. The investigation is still in progress.

Both pedestrians and vehicles are asked to exercise vigilance and pay great attention to their surroundings while traveling on area roadways. By adhering to some fundamental safety standards, pedestrian collisions can often be avoided. Pedestrians should wear clothing that is either light-colored or reflective, and they should avoid walking on the road at night. Pedestrians must also presume that approaching drivers cannot see them, especially at night. Pedestrians will be safer if they cross streets only in well-lit, designated locations and if they always walk facing traffic.