Recent changes from the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan implemented by the New York state Department of Transportation on U.S. Route 11 in Malone have resulted in gridlock at several intersections, and drivers are making it worse by blocking other traffic at intersections. Drivers need to know what they can do and what they should not do to mitigate this problem.

Blocking an intersection as described above is in violation of section 1175 of Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). This section states:

When vehicular traffic is stopped on the opposite side of an intersection, no person shall drive a vehicle into such intersection, except when making a turn, unless there is adequate space on the opposite side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle he is driving.

In other words, if you can’t clear the intersection, don’t enter it! However, if you are going to make a left turn, you are allowed to enter the intersection and wait for a break in oncoming traffic or for oncoming traffic to stop because the light changed, and then complete your turn. Only one vehicle at a time is allowed to enter the intersection for this purpose.

The accompanying picture with this column shows a line of stopped westbound traffic on W. Main Street in the village of Malone completely blocking Amsden Street. This is only one of several problem intersections in the village.

When drivers fail to obey this law, vehicles turning into blocked streets cannot do so, thus exacerbating the traffic gridlock. Furthermore, this contributes to delays for emergency vehicles.

It is important for drivers to realize the importance of this law and comply with it. Not only do violators irritate other motorists, but clogged intersections delay fire, rescue, and police vehicles responding to emergencies. If you are riding with someone who blocks an intersection, say something — many drivers might not be aware of the law.