| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2054 | 2011-12-05 | Troop B | Railroad Safety Operation Conducted in Southeast Louisiana |
Region 1 - NEWS RELEASE Railroad Safety Operation Conducted in Southeast Louisiana Today, Louisiana State Police and numerous other law enforcement agencies partnered together in an effort to educate the public on the importance of safety around railroad tracks. Law enforcement officials in Troops A, B and L worked with the Canadian National Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad and Kansas City Southern Railroad targeting high risk railroad crossings. Efforts were focused on motorists who ignored railroad warning signals as trains approached and other related traffic laws. The enforcement was conducted in Ascension, West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and Tangipahoa Parishes. Law enforcement officials issued 125 citations across Southeast Louisiana. Eighty-six (86) of those citations were for disregarding railroad warning devices, going around railroad gates and other railroad related violations. Thirty-nine (39) citations were issued for not wearing a seat belt. Citizens should always remember to look and listen as they approach any type of railroad track. Also, never stop on railroad tracks because, unlike vehicles, trains cannot swerve. Please remind children that railroad tracks are extremely dangerous and they should not play anywhere around them. Last year, 24 people were killed in crashes involving trains and 71 injuries were reported. Louisiana state law requires motorists to obey signals at railroad crossings that indicate an approaching train including flashing red lights and/or lowered gates. Failure to obey these signals may result in a $200.00 fine and 30 days in jail for a first offense with higher fines and increased jail time for additional violations. Offenders are also required to attend and successfully complete an Operation Lifesaver course. The fine for racing a train is $1,000.
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