On March 19, 2024, shortly before 6:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a vehicle crash involving a bicyclist on Louisiana Highway 88 near Labit Road. The crash claimed the life of 51-year-old Shannon Jude Viator of New Iberia.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2022 Ram pickup was traveling west on LA 88. At the same time, Viator was traveling west on a bicycle when he was struck from the rear by the Ram in the westbound lane. Troopers determined Viator was wearing dark clothing, and his bicycle had no lights or reflectors.
Viator suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Ram was properly restrained and was not injured.
Toxicology samples were obtained from Viator and the driver of the Ram. Impairment on the part of Viator is unknown. Impairment of the part of the driver of the Ram is not suspected. Toxicology results are pending, and this crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana state law (LRS 32:329.1) requires bicycles to be equipped with a white light in the front and a red light in the rear, both visible from at least 500 feet away. A rear reflector must be visible from 100 feet away, and side-mounted reflectors must be visible from 100 to 600 feet. Lights and reflectors are required on bicycles at night and in low-light conditions to enhance visibility.
For more information on bicycle safety, please visit the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s website at https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/.
Troop I has investigated 10 fatal crashes, resulting in 10 deaths in 2024.