To the Editor: The Ulster County Traffic Safety Board would like to remind the public that Fall brings with it many changes that can affect our safety as we drive, walk or bike. We encourage everyone to stay vigilant, be aware, and use caution on our roads, so that we can all safely get to where we’re going.

One of these seasonal changes is the end of Daylight Savings Time, which means longer nights and sunsets before 5 p.m. Drivers can have trouble adjusting to the new sleep schedule and may become drowsy. It is also harder to see pedestrians and people on bikes, so if you're driving, you should expect pedestrians and bikes at any time and place. If you’re a walker, never assume that a driver has seen you. Establish eye contact or adjust your activity to make sure drivers are aware of your presence. You can also wear fluorescent colors during the day and clothes with reflective material to increase your visibility when walking at night.

In addition, deer activity is very high in November as hunting and mating season begins, and collisions between deer and vehicles increase by as much as 16 percent in the week after the time change. Animals are particularly active at sunrise and sunset, which is when crashes are most likely to occur.

Finally, leaves and debris are likely to be on the highway — when wet, leaves can be as slippery as snow and ice. It’s also illegal under state law to move any debris, including yard waste and snow, onto the highway — so don’t blow your leaves into the street!

Our purpose at the Traffic Safety Board is to advance traffic and transportation safety for all road users through study, advocacy, and public education. We prioritize safety concerns based on the relative risks to people using major modes of transportation such as walking, cycling and other non-motorized and motorized vehicles.

We usually meet on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Ulster County Legislative Chambers on the 6th floor of the Ulster County Office Building at 244 Fair St., Kingston. Meetings are open to the public and every meeting begins with an opportunity for public comment. We encourage you to attend and voice your concerns regarding traffic safety.

Meeting agendas are available on the web at https://ulstercountyny.gov/traffic-safety-board.

Eric Kight

Chairman, Ulster County Traffic Safety Board

Kingston