| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7353 | 2018-11-04 | Troop I | Troopers Investigate Crash that Kills Bicyclist in St. Martin Parish |
TROOP I NEWS RELEASE Troopers Investigate Crash that Kills Bicyclist in St. Martin Parish St. Martin Parish – Shortly before 8:00 PM on November 3, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on LA Hwy 31 south of LA Hwy 92 in St. Martin Parish. The crash took the life of 37-year-old John Trueblood of New Iberia. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Trueblood was traveling southbound on a bicycle in the lane of travel of LA Hwy 31. At the same time, 62-year-old Mark Broussard of New Iberia was driving southbound on LA Hwy 31 in a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. Trueblood was traveling on a bicycle equipped with one reflector, but no lights. As Broussard approached Trueblood from the rear, he was unable to avoid the bicycle. As a result, the Chevrolet struck the rear of the bicycle, ejecting Trueblood. Trueblood was pronounced deceased at the scene by the St. Martin Parish Coroner’s Office. A toxicology sample was obtained from Trueblood, and the results are pending. Broussard was uninjured, and impairment on his part was not a factor in the crash. A breath sample was obtained from Broussard which indicated no alcohol in his system. This crash remains under investigation. Bicyclists should never assume that motorists can see them. Louisiana Revised Statute 32:329.1 states that bicyclists cannot ride on a state highway, parish road, or city street between sunset and sunrise unless their bicycle is equipped with lamps and reflectors. Furthermore, LRS 32:197 states that bicyclists should ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable. Troopers would like to remind bicyclists that simple precautions such as using proper lighting, wearing reflective materials, and obeying all traffic laws are key to preventing crashes. Contact Information: | |||
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