New Iberia – Shortly after 4:30 P.M., on October 8, 2022, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a crash involving a pedestrian on the 900 block of Westend Drive in New Iberia. The crash claimed the life of a 5-year-old female of New Iberia.

The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed the juvenile was attempting to cross Westend Drive from the east side of the roadway to the west side when she was struck by a southbound 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe. The front of the Tahoe struck the child in the northbound lane of travel, knocking the child over.

The juvenile was air lifted to an in-state hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Impairment on the part of the driver is not suspected, but a standard toxicology sample was taken for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

A majority of pedestrian fatalities, nearly 70 percent, occur at night; however, drivers and pedestrians must always stay vigilant, even during the day. Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Parents should have a recurring conversation with children about pedestrian safety so they establish good safety habits. Simple precautions such as looking in both directions before crossing the roadway, wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, not walking too close to roadways, and walking against the flow of traffic could prevent most pedestrian related crashes.

Troop I has investigated 40 fatal crashes resulting in 45 deaths in 2022.