Man struck by van in LaPlace still in critical condition
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 21, 2006
By MOLLY DRYMAN
Staff Reporter
LAPLACE — A pedestrian struck by a van, while crossing US 51 near Woodland Drive in LaPlace remains in critical condition at East Jefferson Hospital, as of press time Friday.
This was the second occurance in four months.
Louisiana State Police Trooper Joseph Piglia said the driver of the 2002 Ford Econoline van, Paul C. McCarney, was traveling northbound on US 51 in the right lane, when the pedestrian crossed the roadway.
“The driver said the pedestrian was in all dark clothing, and did not see the pedestrian crossing,” said Piglia. “The pedestrian crossed US 51from west to east entering the van’s path.”
According to Piglia, the pedestrian’s name is being withheld until family members are contacted.
The pedestrian was airlifted to East Jefferson General Hospital, and remains in critical condition.
Neither alcohol nor the rate of speed were factors in the crash, and the driver was wearing his seatbelt.
On Oct. 16, Jerman Ramos Perez, 37, attempted to cross US 51 just north of Woodland Drive, also from west to east, when he was struck by LSP Trooper Jeff Cupples.
Trooper Omar Landrum said Cupples did not see Perez crossing the roadway. Perez was in serious condition, resulting in head trauma, internal trauma and a broken right femur.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers these tips:
€ Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk in the road, always walk FACING traffic, so you can see any car that might go out of control.
€ Dress to be seen. Brightly colored clothing makes it easier for drivers to see you during the daytime. At night, wear reflective material on your shoes, cap or jacket to reflect the headlights of oncoming cars.
Tips for Crossing the Street:
€ Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.
€ Stop at the curb, or the edge of the road.
€ Stop and look left, then right, then left again, before you step into the street.
€ If you see a car, wait until it goes by. Then look left, right and left again until no cars are coming.
€ If a car is parked where you are crossing, make sure there is no driver in the car. Then go to the edge of the car and look left-right-left until no cars are coming. Keep looking for cars while you are crossing, and remember, walk. Don’t run.
For more information on highway safety contact the Louisiana State Police, the local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department, or visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
