Motor Vehicle Accident
July 03, 2024
On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at approximately 9:42 pm, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident in the area of 2689 Ocean Expressway. Worcester Central advised incoming units of a four-vehicle accident at the top of the first bridge heading into Ocean City.
Upon arrival, Chief Joey Widgeon established command of the incident. Crews from Ocean Pines quickly began evaluating numerous patients and addressing the fluids and debris spread across the bridge. Two medic units from Ocean Pines transported patients to Tidal Health in Salisbury, while a third medic unit from Ocean City evaluated patients on scene who refused further treatment at that time.
Navigating through traffic jams can be frustrating and challenging. Here are some tips to help you manage:
- Stay Calm and Patient: Accept that you are in a traffic jam and try to stay calm. Getting frustrated won't help and can lead to poor decision-making.
- Plan Ahead: Use traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates and alternative routes. Sometimes, a minor detour can save a lot of time.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. This will give you more reaction time and help prevent accidents.
- Avoid Lane Switching: Constantly switching lanes usually doesn’t save much time and increases the risk of accidents. Pick a lane and stay in it.
- Use Cruise Control Wisely: If traffic is slow but steady, using cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel efficiency. Turn it off in stop-and-go traffic.
- Stay Alert: Pay attention to the road and the vehicles around you. Avoid distractions such as your phone, eating, or adjusting the radio.
- Use Signals: Always use your turn signals when changing lanes or merging. This helps communicate your intentions to other drivers.
- Keep Your Cool: Don’t engage with aggressive drivers. If someone is trying to cut in, let them; it’s not worth the stress.
- Listen to Traffic Reports: Tune in to local radio stations for traffic updates. This can provide information on the cause of the jam and possible duration.
- Be Prepared: Keep your vehicle in good condition to avoid breakdowns. Make sure you have enough fuel, and carry essentials like water, snacks, and an emergency kit.
- Use Air Conditioning Wisely: In hot weather, using the air conditioner can prevent you from becoming fatigued and irritable. However, in stop-and-go traffic, it can strain your engine and reduce fuel efficiency.
- Mind Your Fuel: If you’re low on gas, turn off the engine when stopped for extended periods to save fuel.
- Stay Informed: If the jam is severe and expected to last a while, consider using a hands-free device to check for updates or communicate your delay to others.
- Relax: Listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks to make the experience less stressful.
By following these tips, you can manage traffic jams more effectively and reduce the stress and frustration they often cause.
