The July 4th holiday is quickly approaching and the Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens to put safety at the top of their holiday to-do list. As residents and visitors plan to come together to enjoy Ocean City’s beautiful beach, breathtaking bay and magnificent boardwalk, the OCPD is also encouraging citizens to practice safety first.
The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens of a few important safety tips to keep in mind during this summer:
Walk Smart. Use a marked crosswalk and cross with the light.
Don’t drive distracted. In addition to cell phone use, distracted driving also involves all non-driving related objects. When driving, avoid focusing on external objects such as billboards, buildings or stereos.
Share the road. Be aware of all traffic on the roadway, including pedestrians, scooters, bicycles and motorcycles. Oftentimes people cannot see scooters, bicycles and motorcycles because of blind spots in their mirror. Be extra cautious of this when driving, especially when changing lanes.
Cross the street at a marked crosswalk or intersection.
Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy intersections.
Continue to watch for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk.
It is illegal to wear headphones in both ears at the same time while operating any vehicle.
Vehicle operators should be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping consistently aware of pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.
Avoid making quick, un-signaled turns or abrupt stops. If you can’t make the turn safely, proceed past the turn and turn around when safe.
Allow plenty of time to stop or proceed through intersections.
Pedestrians should not take unnecessary risks crossing busy streets against traffic lights.
Parents are reminded to pay extra attention to children when crossing busy roads. Keep hold of small children’s hands while waiting for traffic lights to change and while crossing.
Bicyclists are encouraged to wear helmets and must ride in the bus lane. In addition, bicyclists must abide by all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
Moped/scooter operators and passengers are encouraged to wear helmets and footwear. If you are renting a scooter you are required to wear a helmet and footwear.
In addition to safety tips, the Ocean City Police Department also reminds citizens that it is illegal to discharge fireworks in the Town of Ocean City. Finally, visitors should expect heavy traffic through the city on July 4th, particularly downtown. Parking is expected to be limited in the downtown area and inlet parking lot. Ocean City Police recommend visitor’s park in the Park and Ride and take the bus.
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It's about time they are telling the people to "Walk Smart" instead of the pedestians have the right a way baloney. It may be the law in certain instances but it was foolish and not a well thought out plan when they were on the ped rightaway kick.
ReplyDelete"Cross the street at a marked crosswalk or intersection."
ReplyDeleteThe "or intersection" should not appear. Anywhere vehicles turn, the opposite side of the intersection bears the crosswalk. They are mostly painted read with white boarders. There are lots of yellow shirt meter maids walking around downtown all day. Wouldn't hurt for them to occasionally spend a few minutes at a crossing to let people know when they are crossing wrong.
Want safety???
ReplyDeleteChange the speed limit on coastal highway to 25 MPH in season.
Like every other resort on the east coast.
It's a no brainer. I guess thats why no one in the Government has thought of it yet. (no brains)
Also, be careful of the police in O.C. You must be on your guard watching out for their corruption.
ReplyDelete