Law enforcement agencies in the state are keeping a closer eye on railroad crossings as part of their Operation Clear Track initiative.

Police in Norwalk say they have been monitoring different railroad tracks to make sure people are not walking over them. They are also trying to keep drivers from stopping in the middle of the tracks. One officer said he had to stop a handful of cars.

Amtrak officials report that last year during the initiative, police and deputies issued more than 2,500 citations, along with more than 4,300 written and verbal warnings. There were also 34 arrests.

Authorities are also passing out informational pamphlets.

"The things we're looking for of course, is distracted driving, folks that are stopping on the train crossing itself, which is inherently dangerous," said Lt. Terry Blake with the Norwalk Police Department. "And again, the educational component is the most important, letting people know how to be safe around train crossings."

Police advise against running or walking on the tracks, or taking pictures on the tracks.

This is the third year for Operation Clear Track, with the goal of preventing pedestrian and driver injuries or fatalities around railroad tracks. A total of 48 states are participating in the campaign.