Although Westchester’s no idling law went into effect in February 2009, drivers here and throughout the county are not always abiding by this legislation.

Although Westchester’s no idling law went into effect in February 2009, drivers here and throughout the county are not always abiding by this legislation. In an effort to safeguard the lungs of students and staff from breathing harmful engine exhaust, while protecting all from the hazards of careless drivers on cell phones, Rye Country Day School security and custodial staff now don neon vests reminding all drivers to follow the law.

The school’s “No Idling/No Cellphone” message can’t be missed during arrival and dismissal times. “It’s the law and simply must be followed,” remarked Headmaster Scott Nelson. “As a school community, we’ve invested a tremendous amount of time and resources to our Green Initiatives and to protecting our students. We’ve eliminated students’ exposure to plastics and styrofoam with recyclable cups and biodegradable, non-plastic utensils; we have adopted organic lawn care and eliminated pesticide use on campus; more recently we have installed solar panels and energy-efficient bulbs and have converted the bulk of our school mailings to electronic communications. Now it’s time we reinforce the importance of the laws involving both no idling and no cell phone use while driving.”  

Throughout the City of Rye, you’ll notice “No idling” signs at local schools and now, thanks to Rye Country Day’s initiative, parking attendants will be wearing vests reinforcing the law. To date, Midland, Osborn, and Milton schools as well as F.E. Bellows and Daniel Warren elementary schools in Rye Neck, have purchased vests from Rye Country Day as the commitment spreads.

For those interested in purchasing No Idling/No Cellphone vests, email mfyanis@gmail.com. At $25 per vest, it’s an investment worth making.