Motorcyclist in Louisiana Succumbs to Injuries Sustained While Attempting to Pass 18-Wheeler on LA 182

St. Martin Parish, Louisiana – A motorcyclist in Louisiana has succumbed to the injuries he sustained while attempting to pass an 18-wheeler on Louisiana Highway 182.

Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated on May 12, 2023, that on May 1, soon before 8:30 a.m., Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 182 near the intersection with Louisiana Highway 92-1 in St. Martin Parish. The St. Martin Parish Coroner’s Office told Louisiana State Police on May 11, 2023, that 57-year-old John Leblanc of New Iberia, Louisiana had died as a result of the injuries he incurred in the crash.

According to LSP reports, the initial investigation found that LeBlanc was riding a 2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycle west on LA 182. A westbound 2016 Freightliner 18-wheeler driven by Cory Samuels of Abbeville, Louisiana was making a wide right turn from LA 182 onto LA 92-1 at the same time. Samuels turned into the path of the Harley-Davidson as it attempted to pass the 18-wheeler. In the westbound lane of LA 182, the motorcycle collided with the right side of an 18-wheeler.

According to reports, LeBlanc was wearing a DOT-approved helmet and was sent to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Samuels was properly restrained at the time of the crash, had no injuries, and showed no signs of impairment. This crash is still being investigated, and Louisiana State Police indicated that charges are pending.

While all turning vehicles must do so when safe, passing a large vehicle making a wide right turn, usually an 18-wheeler, can be risky and lethal, according to LSP. To avoid these collisions, keep a safe distance behind these vehicles and wait until they have finished their turn before going. Remember that if you can’t see the 18-wheeler driver in their side mirrors, they can’t see you either.

So far in 2023, Troop I has investigated 21 fatal crashes that resulted in 23 deaths.