more visitors, more risk
EcoPoste installed along the streets of Newport, RI.
A surge in visitor numbers directly translates into heightened road safety risks. Tourist hotspots, especially during peak seasons, experience measurable increases in road crashes primarily due to unfamiliarity with local roads and traffic patterns and an overall spike in traffic volume. As tourism increases, communities face a critical need for advanced road safety measures. Innovations such as EcoPoste’s MASH-approved, recycled signposts are crucial for protecting both residents and the millions of visitors who frequent these destinations each year.
Recent EcoPoste installations in Newport, Annapolis, and Ocean City reflect this reality: these are seasonal destinations with significant visitor surges. For example, Annapolis, Maryland, hosts the US Sailboat Show every October, which is recognized as the largest sailboat show worldwide. The influx during these events brings hundreds of thousands more people compared to their quieter winter months.
Another nearby example is Ocean City, Maryland, which exemplifies a dramatic seasonal population shift where a resident population of just under 7,000 people swells to over 350,000 each week in the summer, and nearly 8 million visitors annually. This spike creates public safety concerns due to congestion and increased accident risk.
EcoPoste North’s latest install in Newport, Rhode Island, marks a historic advancement in sustainable road safety for one of America’s most iconic coastal cities. While exact Newport visitor numbers are not directly reported, Rhode Island itself welcomes close to 30 million tourists annually, remarkable given it’s the smallest U.S. state.
EcoPoste is the only sustainable signpost with approval under the rigorous MASH safety standard, the highest crash test rating in North America. In the event of a collision, EcoPoste signposts will bend or collapse, greatly reducing the risk of injury or death compared to metal or wood signposts which can snap or break, penetrating through the windshield and threatening passenger safety.
This innovative and proven design from EcoPoste is essential for cities experiencing peak-season visitor spikes and increased road incidents. Getting city councils and municipal governments on board with EcoPoste means investing in safer streets, thriving local economies, and preserving the integrity and character of the most beloved cities for generations to come.
#EPN #EcoPoste #roadsafety