LAFAYETTE, La. — Motorcycle crashes in Acadiana have increased this year, raising safety concerns as warmer weather approaches.
Data from Louisiana State Police indicates that as of October 2, 2023, there have been at least 530 motorcycle-related crashes statewide, with Lafayette Parish accounting for 51 incidents. In comparison, the total for 2022 was 1,582 statewide, with 120 in Lafayette Parish.
Local resident Andrew Leblanc lost his 17-year-old son, Nathan, in a motorcycle accident on August 31, 2022, when a driver struck him head-on after attempting to beat him. Nathan was an honors student expected to graduate last weekend.
Additionally, Jude Hebert, 32, a veteran of the U.S. Army, suffered severe injuries in September after a young driver side-swiped his motorcycle. The accident resulted in the amputation of his left leg and other serious injuries, leading to the need for prosthetics and lifelong medication.
Hebert stressed the importance of cautious driving, advising that taking a moment to ensure safety could save lives on the road.
Authorities continue to investigate the rise in motorcycle incidents as local residents reflect on their personal experiences and advocate for increased road safety.