| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3588 | 2013-03-27 | Troop D | Officer on the Train Enforcement Detail in DeRidder |
NEWS RELEASE – TROOP D AND KCS March 27, 2013 Officer on the Train Enforcement Detail in DeRidder DeRidder, LA – Today, Louisiana State Police Troop D in cooperation with Kansas City Southern (KCS) conducted a railroad grade crossing enforcement detail on U.S. Highway 171 in DeRidder in northern Beauregard Parish. Troopers were looking for drivers who ignored railroad crossing warning signals as a train approached as well as trucks carrying hazardous materials that did not stop and check for a train as required by law. During an officer on a train event, KCS works with law enforcement to bring officers into a locomotive cab for a unique, real-time perspective of motorist and pedestrian activity as a train moves through the community. Meanwhile, other law enforcement officers are stationed along the railroad right of way, watching for crossing and trespasser violations and issuing citations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), three out of four crashes occur within 25 miles of a driver’s home, and half occur within five miles of their home. A comparison of statistics from NHTSA and the Federal Railroad Administration reveals that a motorist’s collision with a train is far more likely to result in a fatality than a collision between two motor vehicles. “With statistics like these, it makes sense to approach grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents as a community issue,” said KCS public safety director Allen Pepper. “Working with law enforcement to raise awareness about the importance of safety at highway rail grade crossings and the dangers of trespassing on railroad property is simply the best way to make a marked difference in this important public safety matter.” During today’s enforcement detail, a total of 42 citations were issued including 41 for failure to obey a signal indicating the approach of a train and 1 for failure to wear a seatbelt. 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 fine of up to $200.00 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense with higher fines and increased jail time possible for additional violations. The fine for racing a train is up to $1,000. Additional enforcement details for our area are being planned. KCS and the Louisiana State Police are staunch advocates of Operation Lifesaver, an international, non-profit education and awareness program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroads’ rights of way. For additional information about Operation Lifesaver or its community education programs, contact the Louisiana Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Claude Maher at 225-921-8381 or via email at operationlifesaver@la.gov. You may also visit the Operation Lifesaver web site at www.oli.org. Contact information Sgt. James Anderson Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section Office: (337) 491-2932 james.anderson@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org OR KCS: C. Doniele Carlson 816-983-1372 dcarlson@kcsouthern.com | |||
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