A little after 7:00 tonight I was driving home from the Cleveland Jewish Film Festival. While I was on Washington Blvd. a block or two from Green Road, a young woman dressed almost entirely in black jogged across the street. Then a young man in a black suit and black hat skateboarded down the street and crossed between cars to the other side of the street. It was twilight and very difficult to see these people; in fact, the young man riding on the street (not the sidewalk) almost startled me by suddenly “appearing.”
I know about modest dress for the Orthodox, but Judaism stresses health, safety, and life. Perhaps a fluorescent belt, vest, or chest strap would not violate any dress codes and would help drivers see these people. Winter and longer nights are coming. As they say: “The life you save may be your own.”
R.S.
Bentleyville, Ohio
Concerned says
When are we going to learn people? Does there have to be a death (Chas V’Shalom)? Enough is enough. Now someone outside of our community is telling us this too. PLEASE, if not for you, then for your mother, father, wife, husband, siblings, and/or kids, GET AND WEAR A REFLECTIVE BELT! They are not expensive and can save a life!
Estie M. says
I appreciate the comment that was made regarding safety in the community. In addition to weeknights, thought should be given to those who walk home after shabbos in the dark, with dark suits and many times crossing Green Rd.
Doreen Warn says
Thank you for caring.
Esther Leah Greenberger says
All Yavne High School students and Seminary students, and any students who walk home after dark should wear a reflective belt!
Chana says
Just last night my husband and I almost hit someone who was walking in the street in front of the Green Rd Kollel. It was scary! We didn’t see him at all!
Thank you R.S. for taking the time to write your post!
Mordechai says
R”L many tragedies happen because of a lack of respect. We need to use the side walks. We need to be cautious when crossing streets even on sidewalks when we approach a driveway.
Better than a reflective belt would be a reflective vest that is used in construction and can be purchased at the Home Depot.
If you must walk in the street, Walk against traffic and close to the curb.
JR says
Or if you don’t have a reflective belt, just don’t wear black. Put on a white shirt or jacket. And best of all, unless the snow or something makes it absolutely necessary, only walk in or on places you should be walking. Not in the street. That’s not only dangerous, its also a chillul hashem. We’re not in Jerusalem here.