I have been photographing Lancaster County scenes for 40 years and have many great memories of capturing the local Amish and Mennonite communities. Their traditional simple attire always made for great images of a way of life not everyone has the opportunity to experience. A few years ago someone somehow associated with Penn State and its various community off shoots came up with the brilliant Idea to provide these obnoxious orange vests to all one room school kids. The obvious goal was to increase visibility and safety, which no one can argue with, but after seeing a group [the Amish] that tries to downplay attention, it just amazed me they accepted this to the degree they did? Personally I was never aware that any problem existed and quite honestly it would not matter what color you were wearing if someone is looking at their phone while driving. So now you know my stance on obnoxious orange vests and this photo is a rarity for me to shoot but they did coordinate with the vibrant azalea!
Donald Reese Photography 
So count this as reportage. Too bad and so sad. Better to save one life even if it means upsetting another’s sensibilities in photographing them. Having worked for newspapers my entire life the only thing constant was change. Still read about cars smashing into buggies and people getting killed.
I enjoy your photos, and yes, a lament as to how the world is changing in all areas of life, but, get over it. Life moves on. Enjoy what you can and wish safe passage and fair winds to these kind folk.
We have had more buggies hit in the last two years around here despite them adding the brightest leds to their buggies. Occasionally I think there is a car coming with high beams on and its a buggy!
I feel exactly the same as you!!
BUT, our roads have become sooo congested and speeds way beyond the posted limits, that accidents can happen instantly..at the very least these orange vests help in identifying “caution “ area 🤷🏼♀️
yes you are correct.
So I covered this when it first started. Fairmount has been instrumental
that sounds like something I remember.
Hi Mr. Reese,
I am so glad the Amish are wearing neon vests when they are out and about. In my area of Ephrata, I often see Amish women riding bicycles on major roads with lots of traffic, especially around Walmart. It’s dangerous! As an automobile driver, trying not to harm anybody, I welcome the vests which allow me to see and avoid a bicycle rider. The children, walking or riding scooters, are also better protected from cars by wearing the vests. To me, it can only be for the good.
Understood!