Operation lifesaver is a train safety awareness program that warns folks of the dangers of ignoring railroad signals. And today, it cost a few unlawful drivers a hefty fine.

When red flashing lights are showing and you hear the whistle blowing, drivers need to be slowing.

Sgt. Jim Hinds, with the Le Mars Police Department, says, "When you're approaching an intersection with red flashing lights you need to stop and look."

But law enforcement officials say lately, more vehicles have been doing everything but.

Hinds says, "We have numerous intersections that don't have cross arms on them, which people have a tendency to go through...they're impatient."

As part of an awareness project, police jumped aboard the Union Pacific to catch drivers in their tracks, ticketing those ignoring the red flashing lights for $195. A fine that Union Pacific officials say is a small price to pay.

UP Official, Michael Hatfield, says, "195 bucks, yeah it's a lot of money, but is it a lot of money compared to your life or the life of a loved one? I don't think so."

But just how often do cars ignore railroad signalizations? The UP crew inside this train witnessed the harsh reality.

Hatfield says, "Just in two passes, we've had a total of nine people that have violated the law in front of us so far today and that's been in 45 minutes."

And some who choose to abide the law know firsthand the dangers of doing otherwise.

Kim Smith from Le Mars, says, "I know when my mom was traveling by Amtrak, it hit a car because the car tried to go over the tracks."

And that's exactly the type of incident Operation Lifesaver is trying to prevent. UP officials say the biggest misconception drivers have about trains is their speed. Many times it takes engineers half a mile to slow down for an impeding car.