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Rockland County Urges Pedestrian Safety as Crash Numbers Remain a Concern

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Rockland County officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant on roadways as pedestrian crashes continue to result in serious injuries and fatalities across New York State.

According to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, more than 300 pedestrians are killed and thousands more are injured on New York roadways each year. In Rockland County alone, 208 pedestrians were killed or injured in traffic crashes during 2024.

Pedestrians account for nearly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities statewide, highlighting the importance of safety measures for both drivers and those traveling on foot.

Safety officials say many pedestrian crashes occur at intersections or while crossing roadways. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield the right of way, alcohol use, and inadequate crossing infrastructure.

To help reduce the risk of crashes, Rockland County is encouraging pedestrians to follow several key safety practices:

  • Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks whenever possible.
  • Obey pedestrian traffic signals.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before entering a roadway.
  • Avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music while walking.
  • Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight when walking at night.
  • Walk facing oncoming traffic when sidewalks are unavailable.

County officials emphasize that improving pedestrian safety requires a collaborative effort involving education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. Rockland County continues to support public awareness campaigns and targeted traffic enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian-related crashes.

Officials are urging all residents—whether driving, cycling, or walking—to remain alert and follow traffic laws to help prevent avoidable tragedies.

“Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another.”

The pedestrian safety campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Additional pedestrian safety information is available through the Rockland County Safe Streets program.

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Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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