LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- There's a growing concern for pedestrians and driver safety following the death of Anthony Derouen, 63, of Lafayette on Friday early morning.

“When the driver of the vehicle was proceeding down South West Evangeline Thruway traveling southbound," Sgt. Robin Green with the Lafayette Police Department said. "The pedestrian walked in the middle of the roadway. At that time, that's when the pedestrian was struck by the vehicle."

Sgt. Green said the driver of the vehicle remained on the scene after the accident and cooperated fully with traffic investigators. In addition, the driver of the vehicle submitted to a voluntary breath test and tested negative for any type of illegal substance. However, Jeanette Wickham, a concerned citizen, explained the dangers pedestrians face.

"There have been too many pedestrians who have lost their lives and drivers need to get more than a slap on the wrist," Wickham said.

LPD said they have investigated seven fatalities in 2024 involving pedestrians.

“It’s multiple drivers that are getting into accidents with pedestrians and there's something wrong with the system, whereas things need to change so that the pedestrians would be considered a victim, especially if they die,” Wickham said. “In my opinion, that's murder. A vehicle is just as bad as a gun. It's a lethal weapon.”

Wickham suggested people should be given citations whenever they get into an accident with a person.

“The DMV should be notified and a checkmark should be put on these driver's records with the DMV,” she added.

Furthermore, she said there needs to be a change in Louisiana legislation laws to educate drivers on the rights of pedestrians.

“They’re in such a hurry to take a turn and they don't realize that while a pedestrian is in a pedestrian crossing, they have a right in that pedestrian crossing. So that's why I believe a lot of people resort to jaywalking because sometimes it's safer to jaywalk because there's no one in a vehicle trying to rush you across,” she said. “There should be more educational materials to be put out, even if it's the DMV that might provide something in their pamphlet that emphasizes more the pedestrian and their safety and their right away.”

Sgt. Green said these accidents can be prevented, and it takes cooperation from drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Drivers, whenever, especially at that time of the morning, that is not a well-lit area and so drivers need to be more vigilant whenever driving in the area and not have distracted driving,” Green said.

Therefore, don’t be on your phone, messing with the radio, and don’t take your eyes off the road even to talk to the passenger inside your vehicle. On the other hand for pedestrians and bicycles, Green said they have to understand to still have to respect the roadway as well.

“Always check the roadway to make sure it's clear before stepping into the roadway. If you have to walk on that stretch [Evangeline Thruway] of the roadway at early morning hours or in the evening, we suggest you don't wear dark clothing,” Green said.  “Your dark browns, your blacks, or your dark grays. It's hard for motorists sometimes to see you until it's too late. Wear some type of reflective clothing, especially if your mode of travel is a bicycle or walking."

Green added phones are a distraction for pedestrians and bicyclists as well. In addition, don’t wear headphones while you're walking on the roadway.

“You can't hear what's going on around you and so sometimes that takes away from your reaction time to accidents before they happen,” she said. “Pedestrians if the sidewalk is available use a sidewalk. If a sidewalk is not available and you have to walk alongside the roadway, we recommend walking against the flow of traffic. That way you can see the cars coming before something happens and it gives you a little bit of reaction time.”

“Use the crosswalks," she added. "I know sometimes it seems like it's a big imposition, but look, that's what they're there for. I know you have to walk a little further, but that crosswalk is there for pedestrians and bicyclists for their safety.”

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