Ocean City Police: Bike, Pedestrian Crashes Down This Year

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- Ocean City Police say they are seeing a dramatic reduction in the number of bicycle, pedestrian and scooter accidents this year.

Police announced Thursday that the number of crashes has been cut in half compared to this time last year and no deaths have been reported in motor vehicle crashes this year.

Bicycle crashes are down 50 percent so far this year and pedestrian crashes have dropped 56 percent. They say scooter collisions have seen the biggest dip: 68 percent.

Police credit the success to the "Walk Smart" pedestrian safety campaign launched in May with state officials. There's also a "Ride Smart" message aimed at cyclists. Police say new motor scooter registration and insurance requirements that began Jan. 1 have helped reduce scooter collisions.

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