In the hustle and bustle of Acadiana, where an average of 83 murders occur every year, a more insidious killer lurks on the roads, taking far more lives than violent crime.

Distracted driving, fueled by the constant allure of mobile device, claims 146 lives every year on average.

Lolly Bourque, a grieving father who tragically buried his own son due to a distracted driving accident, advocates for change, urging everyone to put their phones down and pay attention to save lives.

His son Jesse was fatally struck by a truck driver that was on a personal call on Louisiana Highway 92 between Youngsville and Broussard. The driver didn't even notice the fact he hit Jesse on his motorcycle, and continued to drive away.

The alarming truth is that distracted driving-related fatalities far outnumber homicides in Acadiana, yet this crisis often remains overlooked.

Louisiana has a law on the books that comes with a $500 ticket for texting and driving, however it does not extend to posting to social media or even watching videos while an individual drives.

This loophole has created problems and the lack of enforcement may be contributing to more wrecks in Louisiana. Ron Cszajkowski is a retired Lafayette Police Officer and currently works with the Acadiana Planning Commission.

Louisiana State Representative Mike Huval of District 46 in St Martin Parish introduced a Hands-Free Bill aimed to close this dangerous loophole, but it faced opposition, citing concerns about infringement on personal rights.

Unfortunately the bill will need a new champion, because Huval is termed out.

Dr. Safi Haq, Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes, stopped by News15 at Noon virtually to share the details of their upcoming free heart health screening. Space is limited. Registration is required by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1. Register by visiting LourdesRMC.com/HeartValveScreen.

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