Traffic News
Don't Block The Box
“Don’t Block the Box” is a traffic safety campaign designed to prevent drivers from entering intersections they cannot fully clear due to traffic congestion—which obstructs the flow of traffic. Stay calm and wait for traffic to clear before entering intersections. A little patience helps prevent gridlock, keeps everyone safe, and ensures smoother traffic flow.
Why it’s dangerous
Blocking the box is illegal and
hazardous because it:
- Creates traffic gridlock
- Puts pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers at risk
- Prevents emergency vehicles from passing
How to avoid it
To avoid blocking the box,
you can:
- Enter the intersection only when you’re sure you can clear it completely
- Stop behind the line, keeping crosswalks clear
- Ensure there’s enough room on the other side of the intersection before proceeding
The Palm Beach Police Department is actively working to address traffic congestion concerns. One of the most problematic driving behaviors we’ve observed is “blocking the box.” This occurs when a driver enters an intersection or crosswalk without ensuring there is enough space to clear it before the light turns red. By doing so, the driver creates a traffic jam, obstructs the flow of oncoming vehicles, and poses a safety hazard for other motorists, pedestrians, and first responders.
We also ask everyone to be patient and considerate when traffic slows. While delays are frustrating, honking, aggressive merging, and illegal passing will not speed up traffic. Let’s work together to ensure safer, smoother commutes for all.
Avoid a costly citation and points on your license, as Police Officers will be issuing them to violators.
BARGE TRAFFIC
The Town has received numerous concerns about unscheduled bridge openings disrupting traffic flow. In response, we’ve been in regular communication with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to address this issue.
Most unscheduled bridge openings are due to the passage of restricted mobility vessels, such as barges being transported by tugboats. Federal regulations mandate that bridgetenders open the bridge on demand for these vessels.
Currently, Palm Beach County, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is conducting the Bonefish Cove Restoration Project (details available at Lake Worth Lagoon Project). This project requires multiple barges to travel daily between the Palm Beach Inlet and areas south of the Lake Worth Bridge, resulting in increased bridge openings.
The Town is actively working with Palm Beach County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to request limits or controls on project-related barge traffic to reduce disruptions.
We remain committed to mitigating traffic congestion on behalf of our community and will provide updates as we achieve meaningful progress.
Safeguard Palm Beach is a membership division of the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation, and sponsors public safety awareness and education for the benefit of the Town of Palm Beach.
