Chalmette man, 81, killed early Monday when struck by a car while walking on Paris Road

An 81-year-old Chalmette man was killed early Monday while walking on Paris Road when he was struck by a car driven by a Violet woman, according to State Police Troop B, which handled the investigation.

Joseph Gioe was walking in the right lane of the roadway about 6:30 a.m. when he was struck, authorities said.

He was transported to the Interim LSU Public Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center, where he later died from his injuries.

State Police said a preliminary investigation showed a 2004 Mercedes C230, driven by Deborah Riedel, 41, of Violet, was traveling north on Paris Road near East D’Amour Street, in the right lane, when she struck Gioe.

Speed and impairment are not suspected as factors of the crash, however, toxicology results are pending. Riegel wasn’t cited in the incident but the crash remains under investigation, State Police said.

Troopers urge both motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant while on area roadways and pay close attention to their surroundings. Distraction, whether behind the wheel or as a pedestrian, decreases awareness and reaction time.

Louisiana state law requires pedestrians to utilize sidewalks where accessible or walk along the left shoulder as far away from the roadway as possible. Pedestrians should walk against the flow of traffic, wear light colored clothing, and stay out of the travel lanes at all times.