KINGSTON, NY – Ulster County is distributing 300 free reflective vests to residents to promote pedestrian safety during the darker months. The initiative, spearheaded by County Executive Jen Metzger in collaboration with the Ulster County Transportation Council and Ulster County Traffic Safety Board, aims to increase pedestrian visibility for drivers.
The vests will be available beginning Wednesday, October 30, at the front desks of the following locations: Ulster County DMV Office in Kingston, New Paltz Police Department, Trudy Resnick Farber Center For Human Development in Ellenville, Saugerties Town Hall, and Plattekill Town Hall in Modena.
“Now that it’s getting darker earlier, we want to make sure that pedestrians, runners, and cyclists are clearly visible to drivers,” stated County Executive Metzger, emphasizing the importance of reflective gear for personal safety.
October is Pedestrian Safety Month and Daylight Savings Time ends on November 3, leading to longer periods of low light. This time change significantly increases the risk for pedestrians, who are less visible to drivers.
The Ulster County Traffic Safety Board stresses the importance of adhering to traffic safety laws and remaining vigilant on the roads. In 2023, Ulster County recorded 4,999 crashes, with 160 resulting in serious injuries and 14 fatalities. Pedestrian and bicycle-related crashes accounted for 57 and 36 incidents respectively.
For more information on the “Be Safe, Be Seen” initiative and other road safety campaigns, visit: https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/road-safety.