Officer on a Train Enforcement Detail by Louisiana State Police Troop D Results in 34 Traffic Citations in Sulphur

Published November 12, 2019

From Louisiana State Police Troop D – This morning Louisiana State Police Troop D, and the Union Pacific Police Department in conjunction with Union Pacific Railroad conducted a railroad grade crossing enforcement detail on LA Hwy 108 south of Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish. Troopers and officers were looking for drivers who fail to yield the right of way as a train approached a crossing as well as drivers of trucks carrying hazardous materials who fail to stop and check for a train as required by law.

During an officer on a train event, railroads work 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.

Today’s enforcement detail resulted in a total of 34 traffic citations being issued including 34 for failure to obey a signal indicating the approach of a train, 1 for driving under suspension, and 1 for an expired driver’s license.

Shortly after 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a crash involving a freight train and a passenger car on Hoke Road in Jefferson Davis Parish. The westbound train struck the front right side of his vehicle. The driver of the passenger car stated he didn’t see or hear the approaching train. No injuries were sustained as a result of the crash.

Louisiana state law requires motorists to obey signals at railroad crossings that indicate a train is approaching 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 in our area are being planned.

Operation Lifesaver is 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, please contact the Louisiana Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Claude Maher at 225-921-8381 or via email at [email protected]. You may also visit the Operation Lifesaver web site at www.oli.org.

Contact Information:
Trooper Derek Senegal
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section–Troop D
Office: (337) 491-2519