Motorcyclist Killed in Louisiana Highway Collision with Oncoming Truck
Ascension Parish, LA – A tragic accident occurred on the morning of October 25, 2024, claiming the life of a 51-year-old motorcyclist, Rodney Michel, a resident of St. Amant, Louisiana. Louisiana State Police Troop A responded swiftly to the two-vehicle crash on LA Highway 935, just east of the intersection with LA Highway 431 in Ascension Parish. The scene of the collision has drawn attention to motorcycle safety in the area and highlights the critical role of protective gear in preventing fatalities on Louisiana roads.
According to initial reports by authorities, Michel was driving a 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on LA 935. Witnesses and investigators believe he was traveling at a high speed as he approached an eastbound 2002 Ford F-250 on the same stretch of road. For reasons that have yet to be determined, Michel lost control of his motorcycle, resulting in a fatal sequence of events. He was thrown from his motorcycle, landing in the eastbound lane where he was tragically struck by the oncoming Ford truck.
The Louisiana State Police confirmed that Michel was not wearing a helmet meeting the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) safety standards at the time of the accident. This lack of adequate head protection may have contributed to the fatal outcome. The Ford’s driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was unharmed in the collision and remained on-site to cooperate with authorities as they launched a full investigation into the incident.
The crash has once again raised concerns about road safety measures, particularly involving motorcycles on Louisiana highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are significantly more likely to suffer fatal injuries in crashes compared to car occupants, with motorcyclists being 29 times more likely to be killed. Helmets are recognized as the most effective piece of safety equipment for preventing head injuries and fatalities, reducing the risk of death by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. Unfortunately, in Louisiana, motorcycle fatalities are not uncommon, and unhelmeted riders face increased risks.
The Louisiana State Police noted that there were no signs of impairment in either driver at the time of the accident, but they collected standard toxicology samples to ensure a thorough examination as part of the investigative process. The police emphasized that while the driver of the Ford complied with all safety regulations, further analysis of Michel’s speed, road conditions, and mechanical inspection of the motorcycle could shed more light on factors that contributed to the crash.
The death of Rodney Michel underscores the heightened vulnerability of motorcyclists and the continuous need for road safety awareness, particularly regarding speed control and the use of protective gear. Louisiana law mandates the use of helmets for all motorcycle riders, yet some riders still opt for non-DOT-approved helmets or choose not to wear them at all. Safety advocates stress that adherence to helmet laws and choosing DOT-approved helmets could be the difference between life and death in such high-impact collisions.
In the wake of this tragic event, the Louisiana State Police has issued a reminder to all drivers to exercise caution on the roads and to adhere to traffic laws designed to protect both motorcyclists and other vehicle occupants. They also encourage motorcyclists to wear protective gear at all times, particularly DOT-approved helmets, to reduce the likelihood of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.
The investigation remains open, with authorities calling for additional information from any potential witnesses who may have observed the events leading up to the collision.
