LAPLACE – State Police and other law enforcement officials from across southeast Louisiana rode the rails Thursday throughout several parishes in an effort to educate citizens about railroad safety and target motorists who ignored railroad crossing warning signals as a train approached.

Officers from State Police Troops A, B and L joined with officials from St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, Ascension, Tangipahoa and Jefferson parishes to enforce rail laws and issue citations, said Trooper Melissa Matey, a spokesperson for Troop B. Matey said throughout the five participating parishes, 232 traffic citations were issued for railroad crossing violations and other traffic offenses.

“Law enforcement officials typically observe an increase in traffic during the holiday season,” Matey said. “Some motorists are often preoccupied with holiday activities and may be short on patience. As you travel the highways and approach railroad crossings, use extreme vigilance and pay particular attention to railroad signals.”

According to State Police figures, 11 people lost their lives in 2009 as a result of vehicle crashes with trains. This was the sixth highest number in the nation.

State law requires motorists to obey signals at railroad crossings – flashing red lights and lowered gates – that indicate an approaching train. Failure to obey signals could result in a $200 fine and 30 days in jail for a first offense. The fine for racing a train is $1,000.