Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Plaquemine – Earlier this morning, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle crash involving a bicyclist on LA 1 south of LA 75 in Iberville Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 41-year-old Jeross Banks of Plaquemine.

The initial investigation revealed that Banks, while on his bicycle, was headed south on LA 1.  At the same time, a 2012 Dodge Ram was traveling south on LA 1 behind Banks.  For reasons still being investigated, the Ram struck the rear of the bicycle.

At the time of the collision, Banks was wearing dark clothing without a helmet, and had no lights on his bicycle.  Banks sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The driver of the Ram was properly restrained and was not injured.  As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from the driver of the Ram and Banks for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind bicyclists to never assume that a motorist can see you.  Simple precautions such as wearing an approved bicycle helmet, reflective materials, and avoiding distractions are key to preventing crashes and avoiding injuries.  Louisiana law requires bicyclists to remain as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable and obey all traffic laws.