| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7823 | 2011-08-24 | Troop I | Operation Lifesaver Enforcement Detail in Eunice |
News Release – Troop I August 24, 2011 Operation Lifesaver Enforcement Detail in Eunice Eunice - This morning, Louisiana State Police Troop I, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Eunice Police Department, and the Union Pacific Railroad Police conducted an “officer on the train” highway-rail grade crossing enforcement detail in Eunice. Troopers, deputies, and officers were looking for drivers who ignored railroad crossing warning signals as a train approached as well as for school buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials that did not stop at railroad crossings. During today’s detail, a total of 12 citations were issued including 11 for failure to obey a signal indicating the approach of a train and 1 to a school bus driver for failing to properly stop and ensure a train was not approaching as required by state law. Last year in Louisiana, 65 people were injured (3rd highest in the nation) and another 13 people were killed (4th highest in the nation) in collisions at railroad crossings. Law enforcement officers in our area hope to reduce these numbers through a combination of education and enforcement. Louisiana state law requires motorists to obey signals at railroad crossings that indicate an approaching train including flashing red lights and 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 for additional violations. Racing a train may result in a fine of up to $1,000. The Louisiana State Police would like to encourage motorists to remember the motto of Operation Lifesaver upon approach of any railroad crossing—“Look. Listen. Live.” Information on the Operation Lifesaver program in our state may be found on their website, www.laoperationlifesaver.org. Contact Information: Sgt. James Anderson Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (337) 491-2932 james.anderson@dps.la.gov | |||
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