Developing Crash Support Programs

presented by Rebecca Resman on 9.10.2012

Active Transportation Alliance

Been around since 1985 (formerly Chicagoland Bicycle Federation) More than 7,000 members Advocate for better biking, walking and transit in Chicagoland

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Why are Crash Support Programs Important?

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The problem
People are getting into crashes Motorists are covered by insurance companies Cyclists and pedestrians are unsure of their rights and next steps

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The role of the advocacy organization

People inevitably call looking for assistance/information Social Media mentions: What is ____ doing about this Most of our missions entail words biking, walking and safety

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Barriers to helping victims

Drain on resources Concern over discouraging people to bike and walk Want to work on preventing the problem Liability

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Active Trans Crash Support Program

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Active Trans Programs

Named a staff point person for crash victim assistance in 2008 Partnered with attorneys who specialize in representing bicyclists and pedestrians Developed a crash support group in 2008 Developed the crash support hotline in 2010 Hosts legal clinics Work with States Attorneys offices and police departments

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Crash Support Group

Created a safe space for people to talk through the emotional aftermath of a crash Facilitated by a licensed professional Championed by a volunteer Lots of media interest Mediocre attendance currently on hiatus

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Crash Support Hotline

Dedicated phone number people can call when they are in a crash Provide post crash resources Calls answered by 23 trained volunteers Word of mouth is the most popular way people find out about it

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Post crash resources

Most Importantly: Call 911, get a police report, get medical attention Documentation, pictures, NO INTERNET Attorney referrals Insurance claim info Advocacy next steps A sympathetic ear Not legal advice

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Benefits
105 calls in first year (est. 7/2010) 275 calls to date Volunteers are now experts in the community Online forums regularly refer people to the hotline Building awareness which should result in a higher level of reporting Efficiency

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More benefits
A tangible program people understand and appreciate Fostered relationships with states attorney's office, law enforcement and attorneys Donations from attorneys, victims and others that care about the program Listed in the City of Chicago Pedestrian Plan

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How to develop a crash support program at your organization

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Decide on scale

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Decide on scale
Resource
Staff/board point person Attorney Referral List Website Information Court Watching Hotline Legal Clinic Fatal Crash Response State's Attorney Outreach Law Enforcement Outreach Crash Support Group

Small
Less than 5% time X X X

Medium
10-15% time X X X X X X

Large
20% or more time X X X X X X X X X

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How to start a hotline

Recruit volunteers Create volunteer training
Hotline manual/script Reporting form Waiver Utilize experts to train your volunteers Role play exercises

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How to start a hotline

Coordinate Logistics
Volunteer sign up timeslots
Doodle is a great tool

Secure cell phone

prepaid is nice at first

Strategy for voicemails

Google Talk to log calls/voicemails

Record voicemail that gives onsite advice and promised call by time

Identify/recruit attorney partners

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How to start a hotline

Marketing
Save this number in your phone and pass it on Stickers Business cards Radio ads

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A note on attorneys...
Come up with a system for accepting them to the list and stick to it Use them when you have questions about laws Cultivate relationships to develop them into major donors Encourage them to talk about their involvement with your organization to their clients

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Long term goal

We hope there is a time when there are so few crashes that a program like this is unnecessary. Until then we're here to help.

Chicagolands voice for better biking, walking and transit.

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Contact information
Rebecca Resman
Director of Membership and Development 9 West Hubbard Street Suite 402 Chicago, IL 60654-6545 T 312.427.3325 X294 F 312.427.4907 rebecca@activetrans.org

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