Motorcylist dies after striking utility pole along La. 1 in Golden Meadow

A motorcyclist died Thursday evening after he struck a utility pole along La. 1 in Golden Meadow, police said Friday.

Ace Billiot, 42, of Golden Meadow, was pronounced dead at the scene, State Police Troop C said in a news release.

More: Hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend? Record gas prices await.

The crash occurred just after 5 p.m. as Billiot rode his 2021 Honda motorcycle north along La. 1 about 5 miles south of La. 3235, according to Troop C. Billiot was passing other northbound vehicles at high speed as he approached a left curve. He traveled off the road to the right while in the curve, struck a utility pole and was ejected.

Billiot was wearing a DOT-approved helmet, police said. A toxicology sample, required in all fatal crashes, was taken from Billiot and awaits analysis.

Troop C has investigated 18 fatal crashes resulting in 19 deaths in 2022.

In a separate release, Louisiana transportation officials urged residents to drive safely during the busy Memorial Day weekend. They cited preliminary figures that show the state recorded 987 traffic deaths last year, up 19% from 2020. That is the highest percentage change the state has seen in one year since crash fatality records have been kept.

Early numbers for 2022 show there have been nearly 300 fatalities so far across Louisiana.

“Driving safely and free of distractions is important 365 days a year, but increased safety and awareness is particularly important during holidays,” said state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. “Current data shows that in 2021, there were 422 crashes in Louisiana with 678 injuries and seven fatalities during Memorial Day weekend."

Alcohol use, failure to wear seat belts and driver distractions are among the leading causes of highway crashes, officials said.

“At the center of this devastating trend are risky behaviors by drivers and other road users," said Lisa Freeman, Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director. “At the center of this devastating trend are risky behaviors by drivers and other road users. That means that the vast majority of fatal injuries are completely preventable."

— Courier and Daily Comet Executive Editor Keith Magill can be reached at 857-2201 or keith.magill@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @CourierEditor.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Motorcylist dies in crash La. 1 in Golden Meadow