Louisiana Rail Safety Week Is Underway, Mock Train Crash Scheduled

Louisiana State Police is partnering with Louisiana Operation Lifesaver in promoting Louisiana Rail Safety Week, October 3 – 9, 2011.  

On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at 8:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G, representatives of Louisiana Operation Lifesaver (a nonprofit organization with the mission of reducing the number of highway-rail grade crossing collisions and trespasser incidents in Louisiana),  KCS Railroad, LA Dept of Transportation and Development, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and the DeSoto Parish Fire Department will participate in a mock crash drill involving a locomotive train versus a tractor trailer (salt water truck) and a passenger vehicle. The drill will take place on Church Street, just south of LA 175, in Frierson which is located in DeSoto Parish. The Frierson Baptist Church Parking lot, which is located on East Street, will be the designated staging area.

According to the 2010 Louisiana Operation Lifesaver Highway-Rail and Trespass Statistics Report, 106 incidents were investigated at railroad crossings and along railroad tracks. Of those 106 incidents, 65 people were injured and 13 people were killed.  The purpose of the mock crash is to raise awareness to the dangers that exist when approaching railroad tracks as well as Louisiana laws that pertain to motorists and pedestrians near railroad tracks.  

To schedule an Operation Lifesaver presentation in your respective area you can contact any Louisiana State Police Public Information Officer by visiting www.lsp.org. Presentations may also be scheduled by visiting www.laoperationlifesaver.org