What to know as Ocean City enforcing Special Event Zone this week for 'pop-up' car rally

In anticipation of an upcoming “Pop-up Rally” — a remnant of the H2Oi car rally that used to plague the resort — Ocean City is enforcing a Special Event Zone this week, and here's what you should know about it.

The Special Event Zone will begin Tuesday, Sept. 20, and run through Sunday, Sept. 25, and will cover the entire town of Ocean City.

The zone reduces established speed limits and increases fines for violations. The maximum speed limit in Ocean City will be 30 mph. Additionally, legislation signed in 2020 allows for increased penalties for specific motor vehicle violations. Similar to a Construction Zone, violators will face increased fines or, in some cases, arrest.

During this time frame, expect to see a significant police presence as officers from multiple allied agencies will be assisting the Ocean City Police Department. Officers from the Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority, Natural Resource Police, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office will strictly enforce all traffic laws. In addition, significant traffic congestion and alternate traffic patterns are anticipated throughout the weekend.

Spectators are urged to keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic and should not incite the spinning of wheels or “burn-outs” by motorists. Officers will enforce all laws for spectators who incite drivers and enforce the violations with the driver. Further, with high pedestrian traffic expected, pedestrians are urged to always use crosswalks when crossing roadways.

For more information on the Ocean City Special Event Zones, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/police/special-event-zone/.

Recent fatal accident in Ocean City

A fatal crash involving a motorcycle occurred Wednesday, Sept. 14, in Ocean City, as OC BikeFest and Delmarva Bike Week were back in Ocean City and Salisbury, respectively.

The Ocean City Police Department responded to the motor vehicle collision near 100th Street and Coastal Highway north at about 5:15 p.m. The victim, Nicholas Ramirez, 32, of Deltona, Fla., was flown by Trooper 4 to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, where he died to his injuries, the Thursday news release states.

FATAL CRASH: Motorcylist dies in Ocean City crash after fleeing police, OCPD says

Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a motorcycle in the area of 67th Street, police said. The motorcycle fled from officers, at which time the officer did not pursue the motorcycle, the Ocean City police release states. The officer provided a detailed description of the motorcyclist and motorcycle to other officers.

A short time later, Ocean City Communications dispatched officers to the motor vehicle collision at 100th Street. Ramirez was identified as the motorcyclist who had fled from officers, the release states.

Pedestrians die in OC crashes

Late on the night of Aug. 26, Sophia Battisti, 21, of Reinholds, Pennsylvania, was crossing Coastal Highway from the east against the pedestrian signal, according to police. The vehicle that struck Battisti was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway at the time of the collision, per police. Lifesaving efforts were initiated by good Samaritans at the scene and Ocean City EMS.

Battisti was pronounced dead on the scene, according to police. The driver remained on the scene and alcohol was determined not to be a factor for the driver of the vehicle.

MORE:Be alert! Ocean City officials warn residents, tourists of pedestrians in roadway

In a July 13 incident, a Bishopville man was killed after he was hit by a truck as he tried to cross the Route 50 bridge into Ocean City at night.

Maryland State Police said Daniel Joseph Hicken, 33, was struck by a 1997 Chevrolet truck at about 8:05 p.m. July 13 as he tried to cross the Harry W. Kelley Bridge from the west pedestrian walkway.

Hicken was taken by Delaware State Police helicopter to Christiana Hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

The driver of the truck, Anthony Capriotti Jr., 19, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, was not injured and remained on the scene.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: What to know as Ocean City enforcing Special Event Zone this week