In collaboration with the Ulster County Executive, Ulster County Transportation Council, Ulster County Traffic Safety Board, Office of the Ulster County Sheriff, local governments, state and local law enforcement, and school districts, we’re pleased to announce, "Safe Start to School 2024," a three-week road safety campaign to reduce speeding in school zones and speed zones, strengthen compliance with traffic safety laws for school buses, and elevate awareness of traffic safety among children, parents, and all users of our roadways.
The initiative includes a public education campaign for students, their families, and drivers, as well as enhanced enforcement of traffic laws in school zones and other speed zones at different locations around the County. The educational component of the Safe Start to School Road Safety Campaign, which will run from August 30 through September 13, includes a Social Media Kit for municipalities, school districts, and other partners to use across their social media channels to help spread the message of safety in their communities.
This Social Media Kit includes
- A 40-second campaign kick-off video from County Executive Jen Metzger and Sheriff Juan Figueroa with a message on road safety. (Feel free to create your own! We’ve included the script in case it is helpful.)
- 7 educational/awareness-raising posts, along with graphics for many of them.
Please feel free to use the materials in this kit to post on your Social Media pages. We recommend about 2-3 posts spread throughout each week over a three-week period.
We also encourage using these materials as inspiration to create your own.
Post #1
Text: We're excited to kick off our "Safe Start to School" campaign! As the school year begins, let's work together to ensure the safety of all students, whether they’re walking, biking, or taking the bus. This initiative is for parents, kids, and drivers alike, with the goal of reducing incidents and promoting safe practices around school zones. Stay tuned for tips and reminders to keep our roads safe!
Let's have a #SafeStartToSchool. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
Script:
JEN: “Hello! I’m Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, and I’m here with Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, and we are excited to officially launch our ‘Safe Start to School’ campaign! As students head back to school next week, let’s all do our part to ensure they arrive and return home safely.
JUAN: “Remember to stop fully at stop signs, AND DO NOT pass school buses when their lights are flashing red!”
JEN: “Reduce your speed in school zones, and when you come to a crosswalk, yield and let people cross.”
JUAN: “Remain alert, and off your cell phone—it's the law!”
JEN: “And it’s just common sense: when your eyes are on the road, everyone is much safer.”
BOTH: “Let’s work together for a safe start to school this year.”
Post #2
Text: Did you know? It’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing. Stop and stay stopped until the lights are off and the bus starts moving again. Let’s keep our students safe as they travel to and from school!
Let's have a #SafeStartToSchool. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #3
Text: As the school year begins, be extra vigilant and watch out for children crossing the streets near schools. Remember, even if you’re in a hurry, safety comes first. Also, don't forget to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and come to a full stop at stop signs—it’s the law! Remember, even if you’re in a hurry, safety comes first.
Let's have a #SafeStartToSchool. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #4
Text: Slow Down, Students Around - Drive Safely in School Zones! Speeding in school zones is illegal and can be deadly. The risk of death for a pedestrian increases dramatically with greater vehicle speed. Slow down in school zones and yield to pedestrians approaching crosswalks from either side. Keep your attention on the road—no phones, especially near schools and bus stops. Let’s all commit to obeying speed limits and keeping our school zones safe.
Let's have a #SafeStartToSchool. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #5
Text: Safety first! Parents, make sure your children know the basics to “Stop! Look! Listen!” before crossing the street. Always cross at designated crosswalks, listen to the crossing guards, and never assume drivers see you. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Let’s make sure our kids have a safe journey to and from school every day!
Let's have a #SafeStartToSchool. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #6
Text: Biking to school? Always wear a helmet and remember to follow traffic signals, use hand signals, and stay alert. Parents, make sure your child’s helmet and bike fit properly and that they know the rules of the road.
Let's have a #SafeStartToSchool. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #7
Text: As we wrap up our "Safe Start to School" campaign, let’s remember that safety is a year-round commitment. Whether walking, biking, or driving, let’s all do our part to keep Ulster County’s roads safe for our students. Thank you for joining us in this important effort!
Let's have a #SafeStartToSchool. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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SAFE START TO SUMMER CAMPAIGN
In collaboration with the Ulster County Executive, Ulster County Transportation Council, Ulster County Traffic Safety Board, Office of the Ulster County Sheriff, local governments, and state and local law enforcement, we’re pleased to announce, "Safe Start to Summer 2024," a three-week road safety campaign to elevate awareness about the dangers of speeding and distracted driving, promote a culture of safety and respect on roadways, and help save lives.
The campaign involves both public education and enhanced enforcement of traffic laws at specific locations around Ulster County. The educational component for the Safe Start to Summer Road Safety Campaign, which will run June 24 through mid-July, includes a Social Media Kit for municipalities and partners to use across their social media channels to help spread the message of safety in their communities.
This Social Media Kit includes
- A 64-second campaign kick-off video from County Executive Jen Metzger and Sheriff Juan Figueroa with a message on road safety. (Feel free to create your own! We’ve included the script in case it is helpful.)
- 8 educational/awareness-raising posts, along with graphics for many of them.
- an 8-second video with a road safety message from a youth from the community, which we are using for our final campaign post.
Please feel free to use the materials in this kit to post on your Social Media pages. We recommend about 3 posts spread throughout each week over a three-week period. We also encourage using these materials as inspiration to create your own.
Post #1
The [name of town, city, village] is pleased to participate with Ulster County in Safe Start to Summer 2024, a road safety campaign to elevate awareness about the dangers of speeding and distracted driving, promote a culture of safety and respect on our roads, and help save lives.
The campaign is a collaboration of the Ulster County Executive, Ulster County Transportation Council, Ulster County Traffic Safety Board, Office of the County Sheriff, local governments, and state and local law enforcement, and involves both public education and enhanced enforcement of traffic laws in high-risk areas of our communities. Let’s work together for a #SafeStartToSummer!
Post #2
Did you know? Speeding contributes to nearly a third of fatal highway crashes in New York.
If you speed, you are more likely to lose control of your vehicle, your seatbelts and airbags will be less effective, and you are at greater risk of causing life-altering injuries and fatalities.
Let's have a #SafeStartToSummer. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #3
Speeding endangers everyone on the road. The risk of death for a pedestrian increases dramatically with greater vehicle speed.
Let's have a #SafeStartToSummer. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #4
Beyond the very serious risks to yourself and others, speeding is expensive!
Let's have a #SafeStartToSummer. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #5
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. It's the law in New York!
Let's have a #SafeStartToSummer. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #6
Cycling is a great way to get around. Enjoy your bike ride safely:
- Ride with traffic, and stop at stop signs and red lights.
- Use hand signals when turning.
- Wear a helmet, and use lights and reflectors to be visible.
- Be alert and be respectful of others on the road.
Let's have a #SafeStartToSummer. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #7
Walking is a great way to get around. Stay safe by following the rules of the road:
- Walk facing traffic (on the left side of the roadway) if there are no sidewalks.
- Cross at crosswalks and intersections, and obey traffic signals.
- Wear bright clothing to be visible and reflective gear at night. Most pedestrian road fatalities occur at dusk.
Let's have a #SafeStartToSummer. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
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Post #8
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all have an important role to play in keeping our roads safe. Follow traffic laws, stay alert (and off your phones!), and respect each other on the road. Every life is valuable, and together we can make a difference. #SafeStartToSummer
Let's have a #SafeStartToSummer. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone! #UlsterCountyRoadSafety #ShareTheRoad #StayAlertStaySafe #EyesUpPhonesDown
Learn more about this initiative at participate.ulstercountyny.gov/road-safety.
