A driver of a Chevy Tahoe hit two bicyclists riding in rural West Feliciana Parish, killing Baton Rouge Metro Council member Buddy Amoroso and seriously injuring another cyclist riding with him.
The crash occurred at 11:30 a.m. on June 30 while the two were riding single file east on Tunica Trace Byway. According to various news reports, the SUV struck the victims from behind. The driver was charged with counts of negligent homicide, negligent injuring and limitations on passing bicycles. Amoroso is survived by his wife, three children and several grandchildren.
Louisiana a dangerous place to ride a bike
A report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that Louisiana only trails Florida and Delaware with 3.3 annual deaths per million residents. Other similar studies have found our state ranking as high as second in bike-related fatalities.
Education is the key
However it is measured, Louisiana has a serious bicycle safety problem. Solutions include creating more bike lanes and educating drivers about the need to watch for bicyclists.
There is no word on the circumstances of why the SUV driver hit the cyclists. The scenic country road actually that is a favorite for bikers — a LSU professor was also hit and killed in 2015 while biking the same stretch. However, it is important to reinforce the fact that all drivers need to obey traffic laws and avoid reckless behavior like using devices while behind the wheel.
Criminal charges may not be enough
Recovering damages for injury or loss of life can be an important part of the healing process for victims and their loved ones. An attorney with experience representing personal injury victims can be a tremendous asset in recovering damages owed to them.
