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Violet – On March 12, 2023, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop B was notified of a single-vehicle serious injury crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 39 near Guerra Drive. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 56-year-old Valerie Collins of Violet.

The preliminary investigation revealed Collins was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of LA Hwy 39. At the same time, a 2020 Ford Ranger was traveling south in the right lane of LA Hwy 39. For reasons still under investigation, Collins failed to yield to approaching traffic, entered into the path of the Ford, and was struck.

Collins sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital where she later died. The Ford driver was properly restrained and uninjured in the crash.

Impairment on the part of the Ford driver is not suspected. A standardized toxicology sample was collected from both Collins and the Ford driver to be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Pedestrians should maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near a road. Precautions such as avoiding distractions, not walking too close to the roadway, walking against the flow of traffic, wearing reflective or brightly colored clothing, and ensuring the roadway is clear of approaching traffic before crossing can prevent most pedestrian-related crashes.