In a tragic event on the evening of August 25, 2024, a bicyclist was fatally injured in a collision on U.S. Highway 90 near Triangle Shell Road in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. The accident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. and has left the local community in mourning. The Louisiana State Police Troop D has been actively investigating the incident, which led to the untimely death of 49-year-old Shawn Maris, a resident of Mermentau.
According to the preliminary findings of the investigation, Maris was traveling eastbound on U.S. 90 on his bicycle when the fatal crash occurred. At the same time, a 2013 GMC Sierra was also heading eastbound on the same road. For reasons that remain under investigation, Maris reportedly made a sudden left turn into the path of the oncoming vehicle. The driver of the GMC, unable to avoid a collision, struck Maris, resulting in his ejection from the bicycle.
Tragically, Maris was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which contributed to the fatal nature of his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation also revealed that Maris’s bicycle lacked proper safety equipment, such as reflectors or lights, which may have played a significant role in the crash. This lack of visibility could have been a critical factor, particularly given the time of night when the incident occurred.
The driver of the GMC, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly unharmed and was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Standard toxicology tests were administered to both the driver and the deceased as part of the ongoing investigation, although the results of these tests are still pending.
The Louisiana State Police have emphasized the importance of safety measures for both motorists and bicyclists in the wake of this tragic accident. In Louisiana, bicycles are legally classified as vehicles, meaning that bicyclists are required to adhere to the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes obeying traffic signals, using lights and reflectors during nighttime riding, and wearing helmets.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the life-saving potential of helmets, stating that helmet use reduces the risk of head injury by up to 60% and the risk of fatal injury by 37% for cyclists. The NHTSA also reports that 857 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States in 2018, with many of these deaths occurring during the evening hours or in low-visibility conditions.
As the investigation into this incident continues, the Louisiana State Police Troop D has urged all cyclists to take extra precautions to ensure their safety on the roads. Wearing a helmet, equipping bicycles with proper lighting, and following all traffic laws can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.
The tragic loss of Shawn Maris serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers that bicyclists face, especially when proper safety measures are not observed. The community of Mermentau and the surrounding areas are left grieving the loss of a life that could potentially have been saved with the use of appropriate safety equipment.
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The Louisiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this accident, and further details will be provided as they become available. In the meantime, motorists and bicyclists alike are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety to prevent future tragedies on the roadways.
For further information or inquiries about the ongoing investigation, Trooper First Class Matt Gaspard of the Louisiana State Police Troop D Public Affairs Section can be contacted at (337) 491-2513 or via email at Matthew.Gaspard@la.gov.