Breaux Bridge – A crash shortly after midnight on July 23 claimed the life of a Breaux Bridge teenager who was riding an electric scooter with no lights, Louisiana State Police Troop I reported.
Troopers began investigating the crash on Louisiana Highway 347 just south of Jolie Blonde Road in St. Martin Parish.
The crash claimed the life of 16-year-old Da’Marion Lagrange of Breaux Bridge.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Lagrange was riding an electric scooter with no lights north in the southbound lane of La. 347.
At the same time, a 2015 Chrysler 300 was traveling in the northbound lane of La. 347 and was attempting to pass a slower vehicle in a passing zone.
For reasons still under investigation, as the Chrysler moved into the southbound lane to pass, it struck the scooter from the rear.
Lagrange, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, where he later died. The driver of the Chrysler was restrained and not injured.
The driver of the Chrysler was not suspected of being impaired and voluntarily provided a breath sample, which showed no alcohol was detected. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Lagrange and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
To promote safety and responsible riding, Louisiana law (LRS 32:300.1.1) regulates the operation of electric low-speed scooters. Operators must ride alone, travel in the direction of traffic, and keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
Scooters are required to be equipped with functioning brakes and appropriate lighting for visibility during low-light conditions, as specified in LRS 32:301.
Always adhere to traffic laws and never operate a low-speed vehicle on highways with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour. While wearing a helmet is encouraged for all riders, it is mandatory for those under 17.
By consistently following these guidelines, operators can significantly reduce the risk of crashes and contribute to safer shared roadways for everyone, state police said.
