The Jewish Community Council of Sullivan County (JCCSC) has kicked off a new initiative to bring about safer driving on local roads during the summer season and improve driving habits of summer residents from the NYC metropolitan area “SLOW DOWN” and “RESPECT YOUR FELLOW DRIVERS” in both English and Yiddish are the messages on about a 100 JCCSC signs recently placed on major arterie s in the Villages of Monticello, Woodridge, and Liberty and in the Towns of Fallsburg, Thompson, Bethel and Liberty.

“It’s important for summer visitors coming from New York City to camps, summer residences, and year round housing developments in Sullivan County to understand that they can’t drive like they do in New York City” says JCCSC President Moishe Grunhut.

“Being on vacation from NYC is not a license to drive recklessly or without courtesy to others. Vacationers and residents alike in these communities should adhere to the slower-and safer-pace of driving in Sullivan County” added Grunhut.

Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steven Vegliante welcomed the new safety effort by the JCCSC:

“Our population in the Town of Fallsburg explodes during the summer months, which leads to traffic congestion and serious accidents on our roads. This new safety effort is a good way of getting out the message that summer residents, and year round locals too, should dr ive defensively, safely and with courtesy toward others.”

Town of Bethel Supervisor Dan Sturm thinks the signs are a good messaging tool to get out the word to slow down and drive safely.

“Unfortunately, we see an increase in accidents and road rage incidents during the summer months. The effort by the JCCSC to address this issue is admirable and the Town of Bethel supports their efforts.”

One of the goals of the JCCSC is to serve as a bridge between the Orthodox and Hasidic communities, maintaining productive dialogue, encouraging understanding and networking, and resolving issues that may arise from between the Orthodox and Hasidic communities and local residents.

THE JCCSC felt is was important to encourage summer residents and tourists to slow down and to practice courteous driving habits as a way to diffuse animosity caused by the bad driving.

“Hopefully, these signs will help to prevent accidents and make the roads safer for all in Sullivan Co unty-and also help to foster goodwill between our communities and local residents, said Grunhut.

(YWN Sullivan County Newsroom)