Vacationers Should Make Safety Part of Their Travel Plan this Summer
OCEAN CITY, MD (April 30, 2026) – With the vacation season fast approaching, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Ocean City officials today launched the 2026 Walk Smart, Drive Smart, Bike Smart campaign, a call for everyone to work together to make this summer season the safest ever for Ocean City visitors and residents alike.
“Safety is a critical part of the vacation experience,” said Maryland State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “All of us – motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, those on scooters and all roadway users – share a responsibility to be alert and follow the rules of the road to keep themselves, their families and their fellow vacationers safe.”
Administrator Pines was joined at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City by Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Sergeant Nathan Kutz of the Ocean City Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, who also serves as President of Ocean City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Officials urged vacationers to slow down, be courteous and avoid distractions as they travel along MD 528 (Coastal Highway) and other areas around Ocean City. Residents and visitors also are invited to be active partners in MDOT’s
Serious About Safety campaign that focuses on driving down crash numbers and saving lives.
“As we welcome visitors to Ocean City for the summer season, our message is simple: the rules of the road apply even when you’re on vacation,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who serves as Governor Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Safety matters whether you are driving, walking or riding. By staying alert, slowing down and looking out for one another, we can avoid tragedy and ensure everyone returns from Maryland’s favorite beach town with a season of great memories.”
This year’s Walk Smart, Drive Smart, Bike Smart campaign includes aerial banners, billboards, social media, outreach to local businesses and print, radio and bus advertising. The campaign includes safety mascot Cheswick the Crab and uses tips to emphasize Maryland’s four Es of traffic safety: engineering, education, enforcement and emergency medical services.
Walk Smart…
- Press the crosswalk button before crossing Coastal Highway and all roadways.
- Cross at and within marked crosswalks.
- Look, pay attention and then cross.
- Follow all traffic signal signs and lane markings.
- Make eye contact and be seen by drivers.
Drive Smart…
- Drive sober: Never drive a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. It’s the law in Maryland.
- Slow down. Watch for and yield to pedestrians, especially when turning.
- Keep your eyes on the road.
- Avoid all distractions. It’s illegal to text and use hand-held devices while driving.
- Share the road with bicyclists and give 3 feet of space when passing.
- Check your rearview and/or side mirrors for bikes in the bike lane before turning right.
- Avoid driving in bus lanes.
Bike Smart…
- Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
- Ride in the direction of traffic flow.
- Do not ride on the sidewalk. It’s illegal and dangerous.
- Ride sober. Never ride a bicycle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Avoid distractions and pay attention.
- Use bike lights if you are riding after dark.
“Through our continued partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation, Ocean City is proud to partner once again and support the Walk Smart, Drive Smart, Bike Smart safety campaign,” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said. “Keeping our residents, visitors, and seasonal workforce safe remains our highest priority. We are dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging everyone to stay attentive, follow traffic laws, and make responsible decisions whether walking, biking, or driving throughout our community.”
During the peak tourism season, the population in Ocean City swells from about 6,900 residents to, on average, more than 300,000 people on weekends. Officials want everyone visiting the town to have a memorable and safe experience. This starts with every roadway user taking responsibility for their actions on and off the road.
“The Ocean City Police Department is proud to support the Walk Smart campaign and remains committed to keeping our roads safe, accessible, and family-friendly for everyone,” said Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller. “This summer, traffic safety will be a top priority, particularly for those traveling by bicycle and electric scooter. Residents and visitors can expect to see a strong police presence focused on both enforcement and education. Whether it’s reminding drivers to buckle up, addressing distracted or impaired driving, or helping riders stay visible and follow the rules of the road. Our message is simple: enjoy everything Ocean City has to offer, but do so safely and responsibly.”
MDOT is continuing to invest in projects that improve safety and accessibility for Ocean City’s transportation network. The State Highway Administration (SHA) has made numerous safety upgrades to protect walkers and bicyclists in recent years, including installation of nearly three miles of median fencing on Coastal Highway between Convention Center Drive and 62nd Street to guide pedestrians to designated crosswalks and to deter mid-block crossings.
Other improvements include enhanced LED lighting in the median to illuminate the roadway, updating and adding continental crosswalks along Coastal Highway between 17th and 67th streets, reconstructing sidewalk ramps in some areas and repainting crosswalks and stop bars.
Last year, SHA launched a project along Coastal Highway between 15th and 67th streets as part of its
Pedestrian Safety Action Plan initiative, which identifies corridors in Maryland in need of bike and pedestrian safety enhancements. In December 2025, SHA hosted the second of two public workshops on the project and continues to receive community feedback on draft concepts as the design process advances. For details and updates, go to the Project Portal page.
Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at
ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, X and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.