OC Kicks Off 13th Annual Walk Smart, Bike Smart, Drive Smart Campaign

(OCEAN CITY, Md) -In just a few weeks time, Coastal Highway is going to be packed, as the number of people goes from roughly 7,000 on the roads of Ocean City…

To over 300,000 for the busiest weekends the summer season.

And that means the chances for someone to get hurt on the road go up substantially.

“Ocean city is a wonderful place that people come to relax and have fun. But safety should never take a vacation,” says MDOT Administrator, Chrissy Nizer.

It’s why the town, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation, launched the 13th annual Walk Smart, Bike Smart, Drive Smart campaign.

Something Mayor Rick Meehan says is vital not just to residents and returning visitors, but people who are making their way to the beach community for the first time.

Mayor Meehan says, “Getting this word out on an annual basis, making sure we repeat this is extremely important. I think we’ve made significant strides, and I think there’s a lot that we can still do…”

And one area Mayor Meehan is stressing this summer is not just for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, but people riding on motor scooters as well.

Especially as the state recognizes just how hectic Ocean City roads can get during the busy season.

Maryland State Highway Administrator, Will Pines explains, “These corridors were identified as some of the most dangerous areas in the state of Maryland. And we’re bringing safety enhancements to protect lives in those areas.”

The town created the initiative in 2013 following the passing of Matthew Cheswick in a 2012 Ocean City traffic accident.