Every town offers it's own unique traffic problems, and Walpole is no exception. From time to time, new traffic problems will arise in town, and this page was created to point out the hot-spots. In some cases people are not aware of the problem, or don't realize what they are doing is violating the law, and they may even be unwittingly endangering themselves. Check out these trouble spots, if you have any questions, let us know.
Main Street, heading South, right before you get to the East Street traffic light.
Drivers heading South, intending on turning left at the traffic light, pass stopped traffic to get in the turn lane.
Vehicles entering the roadway can not see the oncoming traffic, and accidents frequently occur as people exit the shopping plaza.
This lane of traffic is -one lane only- as clearly marked on the traffic signs in the area. The left-hand turn lane does not start until you see the line in the road, approximately 50 feet from the intersection.
Main Street and Common Street traffic light.
Vehicles are entering the intersection before it is clear all the way across. While they are stopped in traffic, in the center of the intersection, their green light turns red, and they are now blocking everyone from moving.
Any gridlock situation is extremely dangerous. Emergency vehicles are handcuffed at these intersections as no one can move.
It is illegal to enter an intersection unless there is room to safely and completely cross. Regardless of the color of the light, if you are blocking an intersection or crosswalk, you are in violation.
All
Many vehicles fail to properly pull over upon seeing an approaching emergency vehicle.
Failing to slow, and pull to the far right, is putting emergency personnel in grave danger, as the improper amount of room may result in an accident.
Vehicles are required to slow and pull as far to the right as it is safe to do so. Many drivers attempt to "beat" an emergency vehicle to an intersection so they can make their turn, or get in their driveway. Many people just stop right where they are in the middle of the road, or pull over but don't slow down, or slow down but don't pull over. Please, regardless of what emergency vehicle, whether behind or in front, night or day, turning or not:
- Put on your blinker (so we know you see us).
- Pull to the far right.
- Slow to a stop.
Route 1 and Route 27
During rush hour traffic, drivers intending on turning right use the breakdown lane to pass traffic.
As has happened in the past, people flying down the breakdown lane will not see someone if they are broken down, and will cause an accident.
Travel in the breakdown lane on Route 1 is completely prohibited. Only during special events at the stadium is it allow, and even then signs are clearly posted. Turning right or not, during rush hour or not, it is dangerous and illegal.
