Pedestrian From Louisiana Struck and Killed in Nighttime Crash on LA 39

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana – A Pedestrian from Louisiana was struck and killed in a nighttime crash on LA 39.

Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated on March 13, 2023, that on March 12, 2023, shortly before 8:00 p.m., LSP Troop B was notified of a single-vehicle serious injury crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 39 near Guerra Drive. Valerie Collins, 56, of Violet, Louisiana, died as a result of the crash.

Collins was reportedly attempting to cross the southbound lanes of LA Highway 39, according to a preliminary inquiry. Around the same time, a 2020 Ford Ranger was driving south on LA Highway 39 in the right lane. Collins failed to yield to approaching traffic for unknown reasons, entered the path of the Ford, and was struck.

Collins suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where she died. The Ford driver was properly restrained and escaped the incident unharmed.
The Ford driver is not suspected of being impaired. Toxicological samples were taken from both  Collins and the Ford driver to be analyzed. This crash is still being investigated.

Louisiana State Police indicated that while walking near a road, pedestrians should maintain a high level of alertness. Most pedestrian-related crashes can be avoided by taking precautions such as avoiding distractions, not walking too close to the roadway, walking against the flow of traffic, wearing reflective or brightly colored material, and ensuring the roadway is clear of approaching traffic before crossing.