NEW CITY, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce the launching of the new Rockland County Safe Streets website. Visit the new website at https://rocklandsafestreets.
In 2020, 241 pedestrians were killed on New York State roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle, and 10,667 pedestrians were injured. Rockland County was identified as one of the top 20 counties for pedestrian-related crashes in the 2016 New York State (NYS) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. The top 3 contributing factors in fatal and personal injury pedestrian crashes were Driver Inattention/Distraction, Failure to Yield Right-of-Way, and Pedestrian/Bicyclist Error/Confusion. Both pedestrians and drivers were found to be in violation of NYS Vehicle and Traffic (V&T) Laws.
“Educating yourself and teaching children about pedestrian and bicycle safety saves lives. The Rockland County Safe Streets website has important road safety information for educators, parents, and municipalities to prevent serious injuries and death. Whether you are walking, driving, or riding a bicycle, you have a responsibility to help prevent crashes and save lives,” said Dr. Ruppert.
Visit the Rockland County Safe Streets website to sign up for the quarterly newsletter with information about injury prevention, including bike safety, pedestrian safety month, pedestrian safety awareness, back- to-school bus safety, information about complete streets, and funding opportunities for municipalities and community organizations.
The Rockland County Department of Health also offers educational programs and printed materials to educate the public about pedestrian and bicycle safety. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation for your school or community organization or would like printed safety materials to distribute, call 845-364-3755 or email lopeza@co.rockland.ny.us.
“To protect yourself and others, know and obey the laws and rules of the road and be alert. Avoid distractions like cell phones, especially while driving and walking near traffic, obey the speed limit if you are driving, and always watch out for other road users,” said County Executive Ed Day.
For more road safety tips, visit https://www.ny.gov/pedestrian-