From left are Union Pacific Railroad Engineer Jerry Granger, Chief Ronald Dies and Captain Eddie Thibodeaux during Thursday's Operation LIfesaver safety exercise.
Participating in this event were the Eunice Police Department, Opelousas Police Department, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and Union Pacific Railroad Police.
As the 2,000-horsepower Union Pacific locomotive lumbered along its tracks Thursday, some drivers tried to beat the train. They didn’t realize police officers were waiting.
A lookout officer was holed up inside the back-to-back locomotives, looking for drivers who crossed the tracks while railroad crossing lights were still active or who tried to navigate around the crossing gates.
Also in the locomotive was Senior Special Agent Terrill Vandergriff with Union Pacific Railroad Police, Captain Eddie Thibodeaux and Lieutenant Megan Vizena with the St. Landry Sheriff’s Office along with Chief Ronald Dies and Lieutenant Richard Daigle with the Eunice Police Department who observed the exercise.
Captain Thibodeaux said, “We started conducting this exercise about five years ago and we have seen a significant drop in citations issued. Years ago, we would write well over 50 citations in one day. Now, we are writing less than 20. This means drivers are more cautious of the railroad crossings.”
“There are thousands of people killed every year because they tried to beat the train, or just aren’t paying attention. Any wreck or accident that takes place at a crossing is preventable,” Thibodeaux added.
According to sState law, the driver of a vehicle shall slow down to a speed reasonable for existing conditions, or shall stop if necessary, before entering the intersection. After having listen and looked, the driver shall yield the right of way to any approaching train and then shall proceed only upon exercising due care and upon being sure that it is safe to proceed. The law also prohibits any person to walk on the tracks or railroad property.
The penalty for the violation ranges from $200 or 30 days in jail on the first violation. The second violation is not more $500 or not more than 90 days and required to attend a court approved driver improvement course.
The agents all agree that citations are costly but the cost of human life is greater. The track speeds range from 50 MPH to 60 MPH in the rural areas and noted that trains cannot stop as quickly as vehicles can.
Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz urges all drivers that cross over railroad tracks to please obey all crossing signs and to Look, Listen and LIVE
1. Why are all OL directors handpuppets of the railroad or government only giving lip service safety messages?
2. Why nothing is ever mentioned by OL that would cost the railroads a penny on the obviously missing safety equipment and track maintenance work?
3. Where are the crossing safety signals for the trains going too fast with no brakes or steering at 1,000s of crossings?
4. Where are the track video monitors for the trains going too fast with no brakes or steering to get the train stopped IN TIME?
5. Why aren't railroads paying at least half for crossing signals because it's their trains going too fast with no brakes or steering while paying the so-called RR directors millions a year.
6. Why the crossing humps trapping big trucks aren't required to be removed?
7. Why the crossing surfaces aren't wider where if a vehicle fish tails on slick road and is trapped at the edge of the crossing surface trap?
8. Why the train cabs aren't required to be lit up like a Christmas tree with emergency vehicle light bars? LOOK AND SEE!!
9. Why the front of trains aren't required to have air bags or something to soften impacts?
10. Why trains don't have better braking systems? OLIs message now shows train brakes obviously suck.
11. Why there are no bidding invitations on the obviously overcharged crossing projects the tax-payers pay the railroads for. $10,000 just to get the equipment to the sight. TRUCKED IN.
12. Why trains are allowed to run in the fog?
13. Why the crossings aren't lit up so drivers can see the black rail cars across the tracks at night?
14. Why railroads remove and steal signals we paid for on closed re-worked crossings?
15. Why $$$millions$$$ of the rail safety budget we pay in is wasted on needless reworks at crossings preventing signals where needed?
16. Why the railroad isn't required to de-ice crossings before they roll the trains?
17. Why the railroad isn't required to raise their overpasses so big trucks can get under them? The railroad wants to double stack and our road overpasses are too low---no problem WE PAY MILLIONS.
18. Why drug/alcohol tests aren't done on rail crews at crossing/pedestrian collisions?
19. Why railroads are allowed to get off with the train black box , signal black box (if crossing signals are present), and cab video at crossing/pedestrian collisions?
20. Why the fact is hidden that trains kill a few thousand people in 100 million train miles when regular drivers have like ONE death?
21.Why Amtrak passengers aren't required to look at the despicable shape of the crossings before they board the trains?
22.Why train horns aren't blown at private crossings till the last second freezing drivers?
23.Why the railroads track lights can't be at a crossing?
24 .Why railroads need track lights and civilians don't?
WAITING FOR OLI/OLI.CA response.
when a train blows his horn, he blows it 5 times before he gets to crossing,
people who listen to the horn or the signal then it there problem and there fault, because they needed not to move.
try to think of some good question then maybe you will good answer from them!!
...Where did you hear that from?
2. Why nothing is ever mentioned by OL that would cost the railroads a penny on the obviously missing safety equipment and track maintenance work?
... Safety equipment is everywhere and track maintenance in constantly happening along railroads.
3. Where are the crossing safety signals for the trains going too fast with no brakes or steering at 1,000s of crossings?
...What crossing safety signals are you talking about? Trains have a set speed at which they run. Any train with no brakes is not allowed to run. Trains have NO STEERING!
4. Where are the track video monitors for the trains going too fast with no brakes or steering to get the train stopped IN TIME?
...Trains are constantly being tracked for their location. There are no video monitors to track trains. Only video monitors they have are security cameras for rail yards and other private places.
5. Why aren't railroads paying at least half for crossing signals because it's their trains going too fast with no brakes or steering while paying the so-called RR directors millions a year.
...Railroads are the ones paying for crossing maintenance, which is why they jump at a chance to close crossings not needed. Saves money.
6. Why the crossing humps trapping big trucks aren't required to be removed?
...If you get your truck caught on the tracks because of the hill, you shouldn't be passing there in the first place. There are many other crossings maintained in a way to allow large trucks to cross safely.
7. Why the crossing surfaces aren't wider where if a vehicle fish tails on slick road and is trapped at the edge of the crossing surface trap?
...Why aren't roads wider to where if a vehicle fish-tails it doesn't end up in the ditch?
8. Why the train cabs aren't required to be lit up like a Christmas tree with emergency vehicle light bars? LOOK AND SEE!!
...If you can not see the super bright headlights of a locomotive (day or night) then you shouldn't be driving. They are on FOR A REASON!!
9. Why the front of trains aren't required to have air bags or something to soften impacts?
...Although it could be a good idea, but, it is bad enough that a train will send any vehicle flying as is. Adding a giant airbag in the front of a train doing about 50MPH could be worst. Could be the equivalent to your foot making contact with a normal size kickball.
10. Why trains don't have better braking systems? OLIs message now shows train brakes obviously suck.
...Trains way hundreds of thousands of pounds and are not in any way made to stop on a dime. It is everyones responsibility to not get in there way. Trains have the right of way.
11. Why there are no bidding invitations on the obviously overcharged crossing projects the tax-payers pay the railroads for. $10,000 just to get the equipment to the sight. TRUCKED IN.
...Not sure about that. If the equipment is not required but still wanted by the people then i don't see why they shouldn't have to pay for it.
12. Why trains are allowed to run in the fog?
...Why are people allowed to drive in the fog?
13. Why the crossings aren't lit up so drivers can see the black rail cars across the tracks at night?
...All railroad cars have reflective tape on their sides. If you can not see that then your headlights may need to be changed, or, you should stop driving.
14. Why railroads remove and steal signals we paid for on closed re-worked crossings?
...I have never seen that happen. Reworked crossings usually have signals installed, not taken away.
15. Why $$$millions$$$ of the rail safety budget we pay in is wasted on needless reworks at crossings preventing signals where needed?
...Never heard of that either.
16. Why the railroad isn't required to de-ice crossings before they roll the trains?
...That is a two-way question. De-icing for trains or for cars/trucks? Stuff like that is usually handled by road maintenance.
17. Why the railroad isn't required to raise their overpasses so big trucks can get under them? The railroad wants to double stack and our road overpasses are too low---no problem WE PAY MILLIONS.
...You can't simply raise a railroad bridge just to let trucks pass underneath, hundreds of feet of railroad tracks must be raised with it. Often, roadways are dug deeper to allow more clearance. Besides, just like designated crossings, truckers have designated routes to follow with bridges that allow height clearances.
18. Why drug/alcohol tests aren't done on rail crews at crossing/pedestrian collisions?
...A drug test is mandatory in the event of any accident.
19. Why railroads are allowed to get off with the train black box , signal black box (if crossing signals are present), and cab video at crossing/pedestrian collisions?
...I don't understand this question.
20. Why the fact is hidden that trains kill a few thousand people in 100 million train miles when regular drivers have like ONE death?
...The fact is not hidden. Railroads are constantly trying to teach everyone that trying to beat a trains does not PAY OFF IN ANY WAY! (We have a lot of hard-headed people in this world).
21.Why Amtrak passengers aren't required to look at the despicable shape of the crossings before they board the trains?
...How in any way should that be required? I don't understand this question.
22.Why train horns aren't blown at private crossings till the last second freezing drivers?
...That is actually something i would agree with you on. You could take that up with the railroads.
23.Why the railroads track lights can't be at a crossing?
...What lights?
24 .Why railroads need track lights and civilians don't?
...What lights?
1. Why are all OL directors handpuppets of the railroad or government only giving lip service safety messages?
They are partners with the railroads to help you and your family learn how to be safe around railroad tracks. You might want to listen to there message.
2. Why nothing is ever mentioned by OL that would cost the railroads a penny on the obviously missing safety equipment and track maintenance work?
What missing safety equipment? I most cases it is up to YOU, "the driver" to watch out for trains regardless of what safety equipment is in place....not the other way around.
3. Where are the crossing safety signals for the trains going too fast with no brakes or steering at 1,000s of crossings?
Are you serious? Trains don't steer... cars do. Brakes? They have brakes on every car on the train...but at over a million pounds...they can't stop on a dime. But, you the drive can! Trains have speed limits and they follow them a lot better than drivers on the road do!
4. Where are the track video monitors for the trains going too fast with no brakes or steering to get the train stopped IN TIME?
Again...Steering? Really? If you really want to monitor the speed of trains with video cameras... go to your next city council meeting and see if they would like to spend money for that function... yeah, I bet they have better things to do with their hard earn tax money than set up video cameras to monitor the speed of a train. And as for stopping... Trains stop just fine when they are supposed to stop... As for a car who stops on a railroad crossing....trains can't stop. Trains need over a mile in some cases to stop. How about let's try and watch where we are going when we drive or not drive at all.
5. Why aren't railroads paying at least half for crossing signals because it's their trains going too fast with no brakes or steering while paying the so-called RR directors millions a year.
Again with the steering... please know this, there is no steering wheel on a train. It follows the two rails, that's it. Who pays for a railroad crossing? Keep in mind the railroad in most cases was there first, cars came second. Railroads are private property...it is not their responsibility to pay for you to cross their property. If you want a safe crossing...it is the community that pays for it. After it is in place, the railroads (in most cases) will assist in keeping it operational.
6. Why the crossing humps trapping big trucks aren't required to be removed?
Trust me, the railroads would love to remove those crossings... it is usually the property owner on the otherside that wants the crossing there. Besides, it is the truck drivers responsibility who should determine if it is safe to cross or not.
7. Why the crossing surfaces aren't wider where if a vehicle fish tails on slick road and is trapped at the edge of the crossing surface trap?
If they fished tailed...that's too bad. Get out of the car and call 911 to let the police and railroads know they are stuck. Hopefully they will get ahold of the railroad in time to prevent a collision. In the mean time, get ready to pay for a tow truck to get your car unstuck.
8. Why the train cabs aren't required to be lit up like a Christmas tree with emergency vehicle light bars? LOOK AND SEE!!
Sounds interesting... that might be fun to watch. But, they do have three very bright lights on the front of every train... plenty bright to see.
9. Why the front of trains aren't required to have air bags or something to soften impacts?
I don't know if that would help.... but what would help is for drivers to stay off the tracks and not try to cross at the last minute.
10. Why trains don't have better braking systems? OLIs message now shows train brakes obviously suck.
Train brakes don't suck... they work fine. What sucks is a driver who doesn't pay attention to where they are going and try to cross railroad tracks at the last minute. Most accidents at railroad crossing are because a driver wasn't paying attention. Get off the phone, take out the ear plugs and stop talking when crossing railroad tracks. Save you life!
11. Why there are no bidding invitations on the obviously overcharged crossing projects the tax-payers pay the railroads for. $10,000 just to get the equipment to the sight. TRUCKED IN.
Take that up with your city council. It's their tax money at stake.
12. Why trains are allowed to run in the fog?
And the problem with that is? Planes fly through clouds, cars drive in the fog. What is the big deal with trains? At least you know where not to be during a fog... that is NOT on the railroad tracks!
13. Why the crossings aren't lit up so drivers can see the black rail cars across the tracks at night?
Is your community going to pay for all those lights? Does your car have headlights on it? Most railcars have reflective tape on them...drive by one next time and see for yourself.
14. Why railroads remove and steal signals we paid for on closed re-worked crossings?
Not aware of that... maybe they were out of date or needed to be replaced...who knows?
15. Why $$$millions$$$ of the rail safety budget we pay in is wasted on needless reworks at crossings preventing signals where needed?
Where are you getting your facts on this? I think you might be making this up...
16. Why the railroad isn't required to de-ice crossings before they roll the trains?
Excuse me? really? Railroads don't need to de-ice their rails. As for the road...talk to your local city road services.
17. Why the railroad isn't required to raise their overpasses so big trucks can get under them? The railroad wants to double stack and our road overpasses are too low---no problem WE PAY MILLIONS.
Railroads pay for the reworking of bridges and tunnels to run double stack trains. As for overpasses that are already in place and now you want oversize trucks to pass under them... Ask the trucking industry to pay for it. The railroad were there first.
18. Why drug/alcohol tests aren't done on rail crews at crossing/pedestrian collisions?
I'm sure that is done already, if not, it should be.
19. Why railroads are allowed to get off with the train black box , signal black box (if crossing signals are present), and cab video at crossing/pedestrian collisions?
How about the black box in your car? Oh wait, you don't have one. Usually it is the fault of the driver when there is a crossing accident. Not the train.
20. Why the fact is hidden that trains kill a few thousand people in 100 million train miles when regular drivers have like ONE death?
This question make no sense.
21.Why Amtrak passengers aren't required to look at the despicable shape of the crossings before they board the trains?
This also make no sense.
22.Why train horns aren't blown at private crossings till the last second freezing drivers?
Because trains are not required to blow them at private crossings... although, they will if they see someone approaching one. Besides...why isn't the driver at the private crossing watching for the train like they are supposed to do? Remember, it is the driver that needs to watch out for the train, not the other way around.
23.Why the railroads track lights can't be at a crossing?
What are you talking about?
24 .Why railroads need track lights and civilians don't?
Again, what are you talking about?
It is my belief that trains are at a disadvantage when it comes to a railroad crossing. The train is stuck between the rails where a driver can control their care completely. They control how fast they are going and which direction to go... Trains can only go one way. YOU can control which way you go! Try it sometime... and stay alive.
Trainfan