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SEARCHA NHTSA high-visibility enforcement program grant is part of a pilot project to crack down on illegal passing.
The federal grant brings increased patrol to school buses, aiming to educate motorists on the laws around illegal passing.
Photo: School Bus Fleet
Police in Ocean City, Maryland, are paying close attention to school buses lately, and that’s for good reason.
It’s part of a new targeted safety initiative thanks to Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) being awarded a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) grant earlier this year. With $29,931.22 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the grant aims to help reduce illegal passing of stopped school buses and enhance safety in the community.
This grant is part of the Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses – High Visibility Enforcement Pilot Project, according to a city press release. It supports proactive enforcement of Maryland school bus laws and a broader public education campaign aimed at preventing dangerous driving behavior.
From January through May 26, 2025, OCPD officers reported:
Total Traffic Stops: 246
Stops for School Bus Violations: 100
Stops for Other Violations: 146
Total Citations Issued: 240
For School Bus Violations: 24
Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device: 52
Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign: 7
Other Violations: 158
Total Overtime Hours Worked: 331
Worcester County Public Schools are in session through June 17, and summer academy buses will be operating through July 31. Enforcement will continue to coincide.
“The Ocean City Police Department extends its sincere thanks to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for supporting our mission to keep the Town of Ocean City a safe destination and Somewhere to Smile About,” the town’s statement read.
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