(June 8, 2021)—With Ocean City’s busy vacation season now underway, there’s never been a better time to remind visitors and residents to walk smart, drive smart and bike smart when traveling around the beach town. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has captured important roadway safety information in the newly published Cheswick the Crab and the Smart Summer paperback book. The Cheswick the Crab mascot and safety ambassadors will be distributing free copies of the book on Saturday, June 12 (postponed by rain from the previously scheduled Friday, June 11), from 4 – 8 p.m. near the Boardwalk’s Tram Station on 1st Street in Ocean City.
“While most of us enjoy relaxing when we are at the beach, it’s important that we don’t let our guard down when traveling on Coastal Highway and other roads in Ocean City,” said Tim Smith, MDOT SHA Administrator. “With colorful illustrations depicting familiar sites in Ocean City, Cheswick the Crab and the Smart Summer teaches the importance of roadway safety basics in a beach-friendly, family-fun manner.”
Originally known as “Crab the Lifeguard,” before being renamed Cheswick as a tribute to Matthew Cheswick, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking along Coastal Highway in 2012, Cheswick the Crab has become an iconic figure in Ocean City and the name and face of the OC Walk Smart! pedestrian safety campaign. Developed by MDOT SHA and its partners including the Town of Ocean City, Ocean City Police Department, Maryland Highway Safety Office, Peninsula Regional Medical Center and other agencies and local businesses back in 2013; the campaign has been harnessing the four “E’s” of safety: engineering, education, enforcement and EMS to turn the tide on the increase of pedestrian-involved crashes occurring in Ocean City.
Written by Christopher Cheswick, Matthew’s father, and illustrated by family friend Krissy Baxter, copies of the book may be checked out at the five branches of the Worcester Library, and a limited supply of free copies may be obtained at the following locations: The Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau (4001 Coastal Highway), The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Visitor and Conference Center (12320 Ocean Gateway), Assateague Island Visitor Center (11800 Marsh View Lane) and The Berlin Visitor Center (14 S. Main Street).
“I thought it essential to spread Matthew’s legacy consistent with the safety messages shared by Cheswick the Crab,” said Christopher Cheswick. “I believe the best way was to create a book especially for kids. Hopefully, moms and dads will read it with their kids and realize the narrative is for those of any age.”
For more information about the OC Walk Smart! Drive Smart! Bike Smart! campaign or to view an online version of Cheswick the Crab and the Smart Summer, visit
www.oceancitymd.gov/oc/walksmart/.
Editor’s Note
From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders. MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.