New Iberia man dies after vehicle-bicycle crash Tuesday night, state police say

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- A 39-year-old New Iberia man died after he was struck from behind by a pickup truck Tuesday night while riding a bicycle on Highway 343, Louisiana State Police announced.

Police said the crash claimed the life of Lawrence Hebert.

According to a LSP news release, Hebert was riding his bike southbound on LA 343 near Landry Road around 8 p.m. when a a 2013 GMC Sierra struck him from behind. Police said Hebert was not wearing a helmet and had no lights or reflectors on his bike.

Hebert suffered severe injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. The driver of the truck was properly restrained and did not have any injuries, police said.

Although impairment is not impaired, state police said the driver of the truck volunteered a breath sample, which showed no alcohol detected. A standard toxicology sample was taken from Hebert for analysis, police said.

The crash remains under investigation.

In the news release, state police issued a reminder that bicycles are required to be equipped with specific lighting and reflectors -- such as a white light in the front and a red light in the rear. Both lights must be visible from 500 feet. A rear reflector must be visible from 100 feet away, and side 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," state police said in the news release.

For more information on bike safety, visit the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission website.

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