Ocean City has seen dramatic decreases this year in three motor vehicle collisions categories. As of August 12, 2013, bicycle, pedestrian and scooter collisions are all down at least 50 percent compared to this time in 2012. Further, there have been zero fatalities thus far in 2013 as a result of any motor vehicle collision in Ocean City.
Pedestrian collisions have dropped 56 percent compared to this time last year. Ocean City police view this as a remarkable success. We credit that success to the “Walk Smart” campaign that was implemented in May in cooperation with the Maryland State Highway Administration, Maryland Highway Safety Office and many other community partners. Because of the success of the campaign, “Walk Smart” partners will soon be working closely with neighboring jurisdictions along the Coastal Highway/Route 1 corridor in Southern Delaware to create a similar campaign. OCPD and each of our partners hope that the “Walk Smart” campaign will not only keep pedestrians in Ocean City safe but throughout Delmarva.
Bicycle collisions are down by 50 percent so far in 2013. An emphasis was put on educating citizens of bicycle safety tips and the statistic shows success. The “Walk Smart” campaign was paired with a “Ride Smart” message specific to cyclists explaining the rules of the road for cyclists.
Scooter collisions have seen the biggest dip in 2013 thus far dropping 68 percent. This drop is due in large part to new registration and insurance requirements for motor scooters that went into effect on January 1, 2013. Ocean City police noticed many safety concerns regarding the large number of scooters on Ocean City roadways and worked closely with state legislators to pass firmer safety requirements for owning and operating scooters. The dramatic drop in scooter collisions proves that this legislation has been a benefit to the town.
While these dramatic decreases in collisions show great success, efforts will continue to be made to educate citizens and provide safety tips. OCPD and all of our community partners are dedicated to keeping the number of collisions down and decreasing the numbers even further.
Pedestrian collisions have dropped 56 percent compared to this time last year. Ocean City police view this as a remarkable success. We credit that success to the “Walk Smart” campaign that was implemented in May in cooperation with the Maryland State Highway Administration, Maryland Highway Safety Office and many other community partners. Because of the success of the campaign, “Walk Smart” partners will soon be working closely with neighboring jurisdictions along the Coastal Highway/Route 1 corridor in Southern Delaware to create a similar campaign. OCPD and each of our partners hope that the “Walk Smart” campaign will not only keep pedestrians in Ocean City safe but throughout Delmarva.Bicycle collisions are down by 50 percent so far in 2013. An emphasis was put on educating citizens of bicycle safety tips and the statistic shows success. The “Walk Smart” campaign was paired with a “Ride Smart” message specific to cyclists explaining the rules of the road for cyclists.
Scooter collisions have seen the biggest dip in 2013 thus far dropping 68 percent. This drop is due in large part to new registration and insurance requirements for motor scooters that went into effect on January 1, 2013. Ocean City police noticed many safety concerns regarding the large number of scooters on Ocean City roadways and worked closely with state legislators to pass firmer safety requirements for owning and operating scooters. The dramatic drop in scooter collisions proves that this legislation has been a benefit to the town.
While these dramatic decreases in collisions show great success, efforts will continue to be made to educate citizens and provide safety tips. OCPD and all of our community partners are dedicated to keeping the number of collisions down and decreasing the numbers even further.
24 comments:
I have lived in OC since May 2006 and this summer I have seen less traffic than any time since I've lived here. I live 2 miles from work (I go to work at 2 PM)and in previous summers it would take me at least 15-20 minutes to get to work (driving down Coastal Hwy) even during week days. Now I get to work in less than 10 minutes even on Saturday. Also traffic at 11 PM is way down from previous summers. This is the real reason traffic incidents are down.
The thought comes to mind that the decrease in OC's population this year MAY have been a factor..
Who are they kidding? there are more idiot moped drivers on the road in OC, There needs to be MORE Moped traffic stops during the Summer.
The reason for the decline - OC taxes, fees, permits, licenses are making it less attractive for a tourist destination.
Take-a-look at the municipal salaries and it is no wonder there are less collisions - because there are less tourists. It is a no-brainer - stay out of OC.
I betcha scooter rentals sunk which is most likely the reason the reason collisions declined.
With the tourism numbers falling of course there will be less accidents. There will also be less money spent so come fall the businesses will be crying the blues.....
1:44 makes a great point. Less traffic = Less traffic incidents.
OC is turning into a trash can and families are going elsewhere because of how filthy it is.
Combine that with the GREEDY & uneducated Good Ol' Boys raising the city's employees wages to astronomical levels and sticking it to tourists & property owners with higher taxes, fees, more parking meters, etc. and the tourists & investors go elsewhere.
I agree with comment above...I am a sub contractor who works in Ocean City and the crowds are much less this year than ever...
It's just to costly to go into OC anymore. In the old days when 5 would get you ten - today 5 won't even buy a Coca-Cola.
No doubt the OC prices are weighting in on the tourist destination. People have simply decided not to come. 2:10 Posting has hit the nail on the head.
I'm sure it was just a coincidence but, today I saw one of their buses being towed from downtown whose fuel tank was falling off. It normally runs back and forth across their bridge. Imagine having all that fuel run into the bay. No money left for bus maintenance?
Visitors simply need to pay more because OC needs more to keep their facilities safe. Stop complaining!
Well when the locals so vocally show how much they dislike tourists who come here and spend their money oh wait they found it more fun and cheaper in VA beach or the Jersey shore. Delmarva has nothing to offer anymore. It appears many of you finally see the writing on the wall. We just moved to Naples Florida , Collier county has a huge water park and at 12$ a person you can't beat it. Three big museums in the county. Admission is free! Parking at the beach 1.50$ an hour. Oh and the food is reasonably priced year Around. The people here embrace new comers and tourists alike. Most of you figured the jersey shore wouldn't be back so fast, surprise they know what they are doing. Good luck Delmarva, when the last of you leaves shut the light....
The news made it sound like the traffic on the boards was way up but with a BAD element in attendance.
The crowds are certainly down. It's a matter of the economy - and the cost of a beach vacation in a resort town - ANY resort town - not just OC.
The scooter stat is easy to figure out: The State, with the new rules and regulations and exorbitant insurance for rental companies imposed this year, have put 80% of the scooter rentals out of business.
It has also taken 80% or more of the scooters off the road that locals used to get to work.
Bicycle regulations are next.
You are incorrect.....ocean city has become a crime filled, overpriced, and run down! From hotel rooms to parking. How about the Pepsi logo on the biggest icon in town that's sponsored by Coke? Ocean city of old is gone. Same old crap food, same old golf, nothing new for anyone. You have to keep it clean and fresh, two big things oc is missing. Google asbury park New Jersey and insert oc in its place as its decline and failure occurred. Pull your heads out folks and see the signs......very obvious!
Ocean City is no longer a relevant vacation destination. Last time things were down, they brought golf in to save the day, then golf in general died, so what now? The dew tour, rap concerts, biker week, and crime on the boards! Right now the best case, have all of the overpaid city employees spend more money in OC.
Even Disney is a better value than the beach.
10:04 PM
good, I won't miss them. I won't miss OC either.
i need a wake up call at 2 00 i am over at golf course taking a after noon nap before cutting grass. by the way thanks o c i make 75000 a year working 7 months a year life is good at da beach.
11:35:
"Crime filled"? A few isolated incidents during the insanity of Senior Week adds up to crime-filled? Take the same stats of what happened in OC and transfer them to a town that has even half the average daily summer population of Ocean City and they would probably lay off their entire police force!
"Overpriced"? What the hell do you expect? The same prices you'd pay for a Super 8 off a ramp on I-95?
You better stay under cover 11:35...Have you noticed the sky is falling?
If society survives - then OC will certainly survive, too.
Crime has become s daily issue for oc and its continued long after June bug week. A room on the boardwalk will average 300$a night and in va beach the going rate is about 180$. I can assure you if things don't improve oc will become a ghost town.
OC will always have newcomers. Honestly, after living here a few years OC only offers a beach and the usual tourist trap events that go with it. EVERYTHING is more expensive and unfortunately nearly all the locals complain about "tourons" year round. If OC wasnt on the shore Delmarva would be an even bigger sh#thole. SOOO much money comes from tourists here that if a year after year decline occurs I see major things changing.
The year after year drop in tourism is already happening. The town is looking rundown,and worn out. The shore doesn't get it and never will I was a come here many years ago and had enough and left.
Just for the record: VA Beach's boardwalk has nothing but condos - no games - no retail. It doesn't compare in ANY way to OC's famous boardwalk. Apples to oranges. Some would rather have that experience over OC - and that's certainly their prerogative.
When Disney decided to create a "boardwalk attraction" they came to Ocean City for the plan, not VA Beach. There was a reason for that.
I live in Ocean City and work in Ocean City and see no sign of the rampant crime that the commenters on this site refer to. I would guess that you experts are nowhere near Ocean City and have either never been to Ocean City. You have no idea what you are talking about.
OCs boardwalk isn't nearly what it used to be. Yes Disney did use it as a model but that was a long time ago. Ocean city has lost all its charm. The jersey shore is far more famous. People will go were they can get the most for their money and OC is no longer it. The town is in need of a full make over from top to bottom and as long as people refuse to see it the fall will continue.
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