This is a serious warning before something tragic happens.
Driving through Monsey, Chestnut Ridge, and surrounding Rockland County areas after dark has become terrifying. I was on the road around 5:30 p.m., a time when in the summer it’s still full daylight, and now it’s pitch black. In those conditions, I nearly struck a mother walking with her young child. Both were dressed entirely in black, and I did not see them until the very last second.
That moment keeps replaying in my head.
Drivers are not trying to hurt anyone. But the truth is, with poor street lighting, glare from headlights, and limited reaction time, people dressed in dark clothing simply cannot be seen. By the time a driver realizes someone is there, it may already be too late.
This is not about blaming pedestrians. It’s about preventing the next heartbreaking headline. Reflective vests, armbands, clips, or small flashing lights are inexpensive, easy to use, and they save lives. Children, parents, teens, everyone walking near roads needs to be visible, especially now that darkness comes so early.
The nights are longer. The roads are busy.
Please don’t let this end in tragedy.
Wear reflectors.
— Esti M., Chestnut Ridge
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.
I second this opinion! Wear reflectors!!!!!
Wow that’s really scary
(poop daily buff group)
So true! As a driver, How many times I was unable to see people walking until the last minute!
I do have to add, though, please use sideways where available! How many times I see people too lazy to cross the street and walking in a narrow shoulder
Around the same time of day, I was in a vehicle on Forshay. Numerous people dressed in black were crossing the street to go from synagogue to a parking area.. They weren’t crossing as a group. One crossed the street then another a couple feet away and then another a couple of feet away. The driver of my vehicle almost hit the first person. After that, he realized what was going on and drove very slowly so he didn’t hit the rest. Even if you are driving and just walking across the street to get to your car, when you are walking you need reflectors.
Someone should do something about the Taxis driving with High-Beam lights on at all times. It’s crazy out there.
👍🏻👍🏻
People who don’t drive don’t realize how invisible they are to drivers in the dark/dusk. As drivers I think we need to stop and very forcefully tell these pedestrians that we CANNOT SEE THEM without reflectors. Thanks for the post, it may save lives!