More than 48,000 drivers exceeded the speed limit on sections of Ocean Parkway over a three-week period, but few were clocked at more than 50 miles-per-hour, according to a recent speed survey.
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
More than 48,000 drivers exceeded the 35-mile-per-hour speed limit, but few were clocked at more than 50 miles-per-hour on sections of Ocean Parkway over a three-week period according to a speed survey Ocean Pines Police recently conducted.
Chief Tim Robinson shared the survey results, along with plans to increase entry-level salaries for law enforcement officers at a March 23 meeting of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors.
Robinson said speed surveys were conducted over three weeks in February and March along Ocean Parkway at Briarcrest Drive, Sandyhook Road, Wareham Court, and the 300 block of Ocean Parkway to observe the frequency with which residents exceeded the limit.
The results showed that 48,112 vehicles exceeded the 35-mile posted limit, but only 53 reached speeds above 50 mph. Robinson explained that the number of speeding cars may be slightly lower because this figure does not account for ambulances and other emergency responders.
Specific results revealed that between Feb. 21-24, 9,145 vehicles were recorded at Briarcrest Drive. The average speed was 32 mph, and 88% drove slower than 40 mph. Over eight days at Sandyhook Road, 17,971 automobiles were observed, and 96% clocked in at 39 mph or less. The average pace fell to 33 mph.
Wareham Court was surveyed for seven days, where it was discovered that the average speed of the 11,303 vehicles examined was 36 mph, and 78% did not exceed 40 mph. The 300 block of Ocean Parkway was surveilled from March 7-13, and 9,693 cars were detected over the limit, with 85% driving 39 mph, and the average traveling 33 mph.
“I was very pleased,” Robinson said. “Tens of thousands of cars have been seen over several days, and we are pleased to see the vast majority of Ocean Pines guests and residents obey the limit.”
The chief also mentioned that he conducted Ocean Parkway radar from 8 p.m. to midnight on March 16, and issued only two speeding vehicles.
Department officials intend to continue the surveys, moving to the south side of the community and including a few residential streets where they have received complaints of irresponsible driving.