New Iberia Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck By Vehicle in Duson

A New Iberia man has died after he was struck while riding a bicycle earlier this week in Lafayette Parish.

The crash happened shortly after 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, on Louisiana Highway 343 near Landry Road in Duson.

The crash claimed the life of 39-year-old Lawrence Hebert of New Iberia.

According to a preliminary investigation, Louisiana State Police said that Hebert was southbound on LA 343 while riding his bicycle. At the same time, a 2013 GMC Sierra was traveling south towards Hebert, when it struck him from behind.

Troopers determined that Hebert was not wearing a helmet and his bicycle had no lights or reflectors.

Hebert suffered severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the GMC was properly restrained and sustained no injuries.

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Although impairment was not suspected, the driver of the GMC voluntarily provided a breath sample, which showed no alcohol detected.

A standard toxicology sample was collected from Hebert and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Laws Regarding Bicycle Safety

Louisiana state law (LRS 32:329.1) mandates bicycles to be equipped with specific lighting and reflectors. Bicycles must have a white light in the front and a red light in the rear, both visible from 100 feet away, and side-mounted reflectors must be visible from 100 to 600 feet.

These measures are in place to enhance visibility and promote safety when riding at night or in low-light conditions.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission's website at https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/.