Many streets see use from multiple methods of travel, including vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, LSVs and commercial vehicles. There is an increasing need for all travelers to share the space in the streets, sidewalks, and right-of-way areas, so that everyone can enjoy their community and arrive at their destination safely.
To help improve public participation in street safety, the Oak Island Police Department has started the new No Wake Zone Street Safety Campaign.
Behind The Name
Just like a "No Wake Zone" works to keep everyone safe on the water, it’s important to SLOW DOWN, and STAY ALERT on Oak Island streets! The Police Department named the Street Safety Initiative with a safety-themed phrase that is familiar to this coastal setting.
How It Works
the No Wake Zone campaign will produce multi-platform, multi-format messaging, targeted towards specific modes of travel in high interest areas, with specific messaging targeted towards:
- Walkers / Pedestrians
- LSVs / Carts
- Bicycles / E-Bikes
In additional to standard, general information signage. These can be adapted to target other travel methods as needed.
Additionally, the campaign features multiple components, including:
- Webpage: A central location providing all program related details and events
- Signage: 18”x24” yard signs featuring safety messaging targeted to a specific types of travel
- Rack Cards: Small 3.5” x 8.5” cards with basic details, distributed during community events
- Kickoff Event: A public event to launch the program and distribute the first batch of signs
- Social Media: One safety tip per week during campaign and short video clips of residents and visitors using Yacht Drive
Resident Participation
The campaign will initially focus on Yacht Drive, and further expand into other target areas as the program grows. Signage will be located in the Right of Way at determined locations. Residents can volunteer to have street signage placed in their yard and obtain rack cards. Residents can contact the Community Resource Officer Joe Trahey to request signage and for further information. Businesses can obtain additional Low Speed Vehicle handouts and maps for customers and visitors.
Police Presence
As part of this campaign, the Oak Island Police Department will also implement a safety-focused patrol schedule, to help educate travelers in the target areas during high traffic times.
During these patrols and at Town events, educational materials will be shared with the public, to help promote the campaign and the safe travel habits it encourages.
Example: Yacht Drive
- 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Patrol and Educate
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Patrol and Educate
Other focus areas during the initial rollout of the program will also include:
Other Activities
In addition to the public participation and police education patrols, the Police Department will also maintain enhanced statistics specifically related to this campaign.
Those statistics, and the insights they provide will be shared on this page of the Town Website.