Ulster County Offers Free Reflective Vests for Pedestrian Safety Month

Ulster County is handing out 1,000 free yellow reflective vests to help pedestrians stay visible during darker fall afternoons, more than triple the number distributed last year.

The vests are part of the county’s “Be Safe, Be Seen” initiative, launched in 2024, in cooperation with the Ulster County Transportation Council and Traffic Safety Board. The program aims to improve pedestrian, cyclist, and runner safety, particularly during the shorter days and low-light conditions that accompany the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, Nov. 2.

“With shorter days and low afternoon light, we want to make sure that pedestrians, runners, and cyclists are clearly visible to drivers,” Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said. “I always wear reflective gear when I ride my bike, and I can tell you it makes a big difference, safety-wise. The 300 safety vests we gave away last year went fast, so we are more than tripling the supply for this year’s distribution. As always, we urge drivers to stay alert, slow down, and keep a safe distance from pedestrians and cyclists.”

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and low light increases the risk of crashes. Deer activity also rises during hunting and mating season, with wildlife collisions increasing by as much as 16% in the week after the time change. Peak risk times for both pedestrians and wildlife are sunrise and sunset.

The vests are available at the front desks of the following locations:

Rondout Municipal Center (Marbletown and Rosendale Town Clerk offices), 1921 Lucas Ave Ext, Cottekill

Trudy Center, 50 Center St., Ellenville

Ulster County DMV Office, 244 Fair St., Kingston

New Paltz Village Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave, New Paltz

Phoenicia Library, 48 Main St., Phoenicia

Saugerties Town Hall, 4 High St., Saugerties

Town of Ulster Library, 860 Ulster Ave., Ulster

Veteran Services entrance / Development Court Building #2, 2 Development Ct., Ulster

Shawangunk Town Hall, 14 Central Ave., Wallkill

In 2024, Ulster County recorded 4,267 crashes on local roads. Seventeen were fatal, 745 involved serious injuries, and 50 involved pedestrians. Traffic safety officials emphasize that adherence to safety laws and visibility measures can help reduce accidents.

For more information, contact UlsterTSB@ulstercountyny.gov or visit Ulster County Road Safety . Crash data is available on the Ulster County Fatal and Serious Injury Crash Dashboard