As summer kicks into high gear, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department is reminding drivers to be mindful of blocking intersections, particularly during rush hour traffic when many are eager to make their way to Okaloosa Island.
According to Florida Statute F.S.S. 316.2061, drivers are prohibited from entering an intersection unless there is enough space on the other side to accommodate their vehicle. Blocking intersections not only poses a safety hazard to fellow motorists but also impedes the smooth flow of traffic and can hinder the movement of emergency vehicles, according to the FWBPD.
In a recent social media post, the police department highlighted a common intersection that creates problems among motorists. The intersection at Perry Ave SE and First Street SE, near the Publix supermarket, has been a hotspot for traffic congestion.
Drivers heading south toward the Brooks Bridge often find themselves stuck along Perry Ave due to the traffic lights at both First Street and Highway 98. In an attempt to bypass the queue, some drivers will enter the intersection, hoping to make it through the light before traffic backs up further.
- Unfortunately, this maneuver frequently results in the intersection becoming blocked for vehicles traveling in other directions.
- Fort Walton Beach Police Officers have also issued warnings to drivers who block the left turn lane into the Publix shopping complex.
“If you see one of our officers pulling someone over for blocking the intersection, please do not take their spot in line,” wrote the FWBPD. “Let’s all work together to keep our roadways safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
7 Responses
DON’T BLOCK THE BOX
Maybe if they start giving tickets or putting bigger signs up, it might help Mary Esther cut off and Beal is one of the worst
What i wonder is why there are not foot cops controlling the gridlock. How are you going to get a squad car into the gridlock to give anyone a ticket? It is such a problem here. Half of crazy drivers are not to be denied and pull up regardless of blocking intersection. Alot of those plates are from georgia. And all over the country. Problem remains, one way in, one way out!! It is a horrible situation if you live here. Sitting through 5 light changes because some asshole drove forward anyway.
Yeah! I agree. Its complete chaos! It seems to be out of towners who act like entitled children thinking th we y shouldnt have to wait like everyone else.
Bigger sings are not needed. It’s common sense that any enter section, entrance to a side road, business, or residence are not to be blocked.
Just start writing tickets.
Randy, tickets are being written 24 hours a day for other things like meeting the city, county and state ticket quotas to generate cash to the city and county and state to spend as they please – and it is NOT spent on trying to improving your ease of driving. If the people only knew how much money the city takes in – the people would start asking – Hey, where is this money going ????? It’s not for road repairs, line painting, signs, drainage etc !!!!! Look around town and really see that NO improvements have been done for years….where in the hell is all these billions of $$$$ going ?????
Are they talking about this because it looked like a cop in a suv hit another car who was going through the light. The cop in the suv was in the turning lane.