UPDATE: Ok everyone… we have some good and some bad news to update you with. Please read below.

 Unfortunately, after further research, a citizen petition cannot override state statutory law. Assateague Island National Seashore is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) under federal jurisdiction. Federal law enforcement inside national parks relies on United States Park Rangers using standard traffic enforcement. There is no federal statute or regulation within Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR) that authorizes photo enforcement or automated speeding citations on federal parklands.

In Maryland, automated speed enforcement (ASE) is strictly governed by state statute, primarily Maryland Transportation Code § 21-809. Under this law, speed cameras are permitted only in specific designated areas, such as authorized school zones (on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or lower) and highway work zones. 

Here’s the good news. While automated speed cameras were initially discussed, federal and state regulations restrict their legal use on national seashore parklands. As a result, we are pivoting our strategy to immediate, legally actionable measures that directly protect the herds. Effective 8/14/26, we are shifting our focus to lowering the island's speed limit to 15MPH on all roadways that are currently 25MPH within Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore. This includes the entire stretch of Bayberry Drive from both State and National sides of the park. 

According to National Park Service data and local records, 36 horses have been killed by drivers on Assateague Island since 1982, with an additional 17 suffering severe injuries. These tragic, preventable losses include named and beloved members of the herd including, but not limited to:

- Sir Gruff: An 18-year-old bay stallion struck and killed in 2018 on the Route 611 causeway. 

-Connie’s Girl: A chestnut mare hit and killed by a park vehicle in 2019.

- Moonshadow: A 4-year-old mare killed in a July 2021 hit-and-run incident near Oceanside Campground.  

- Gizmo: A 16-year-old bay mare killed in August 2025 on Bayberry Drive.

- Miracle: A young filly hit and injured in July 2026.

- Dune Dancer Jolt: A 6-year-old stallion killed in August 2026 by vehicle collision.

- Susi Solé: Hit in a devastating incident on August 13, 2026.

The Case for a 15 MPH Speed Limit: Reaction Time and Impact Severity

Lowering speed limits is a proven, evidence-based measure to prevent fatal wildlife collisions. According to collision data analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), lower operating speeds directly correlate with exponential decreases in severe and fatal impact rates.

 Halved Stopping Distance: A vehicle traveling at 15 mph stops in approximately half the distance required at 25 mph, providing drivers with the critical margin of time needed to avoid striking animals stepping unexpectedly onto the roadway.

 Significantly Reduced Impact Force: Vehicle impact forces increase exponentially beyond 15 mph. Maintaining speeds at or below this key threshold vastly improves survival rates in the event of a collision. 

I will be organizing petition days to visit various areas around Baltimore and Ocean City for public in-person petition signings. We need real life signatures to actually make a difference here. Due to that, please refrain from paying to promote this, we only request the signatures of those truly dedicated to seeing change. I expect opportunities in the future to meet you all and get your signature on a real piece of paper, then you can donate directly to a cause if you choose to do so.