A state police enforcement detail cited 41 people for failing to heed railroad crossing signals and one for not wearing a seat belt Wednesday along U.S. 171 in DeRidder, officials said.

Troopers were looking for drivers who ignored railroad crossing signals, as well as hazardous materials trucks that failed to stop and check for a train as required by law, said Sgt. James Anderson.

Officers stationed on Kansas City Southern trains worked with officers along the roadway to monitor traffic for violations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of four crashes occur within 25 miles of a driver’s home, and half occur within five miles of their home.

A comparison of statistics from NHTSA and the Federal Railroad Administration reveals that a motorist’s collision with a train is far more likely to result in a fatality than a collision between two motor vehicles.

“With statistics like these, it makes sense to approach grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents as a community issue,” KCS public safety director Allen Pepper said in a news release.

“Working with law enforcement to raise awareness about the importance of safety at highway rail grade crossings and the dangers of trespassing on railroad property is simply the best way to make a marked difference in this important public safety matter.”

Failure to obey railroad crossing signals may result in a fine of up to $200 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense, with higher fines and increased jail time for additional violations.

The fine for racing a train is up to $1,000.

Additional enforcement details for the area are being planned, officials said.

(State Police / Special to the American Press)

(State Police / Special to the American Press)