New pavement markings -- as well as additional signs -- have been added to Pearl Road at Westwood Drive to remind motorists not to block the intersection.
Police are trying to eliminate gridlock at that corner, typically caused by southbound vehicles blocking the intersection so that Westwood traffic can't get through on a green light.
The solution? Don't enter the intersection unless you can make it all the way through.
That way, you're not causing traffic jams and safety issues.
What does it mean when I block the box?
When you block the box, you have entered an intersection when cars on the other side prevent you from making it all the way through. If your light turns red before you can get out the intersection, you’re blocking cross traffic from moving forward and preventing mobility in crosswalks and bike lanes.
What should I do to avoid blocking the box?
To avoid blocking the box, you should wait to enter an intersection until you are sure you can make it all the way through the intersection. Wait behind the stop bar, not in the crosswalk, and look to see if the vehicles in front of you on the other side of the intersection have left enough room for you to make it through without stopping in the crosswalk on the other side.