Create. Compete. Change Your Campus.

The CRASH Project empowers college students to create peer-driven campaigns that promote transportation safety on and off campus. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24. With so many young drivers, busy roads, and walkable campuses, the risks are real.

This is your chance to make a difference by educating your peers on the real issues they face. Your campaign can focus on distracted driving, biking and e-scooter safety, drinking and driving, pedestrian risks, or any transportation safety issue relevant to your campus. Whether you’re part of a student club, Greek organization, class, or just a group of friends, you can build a campaign tailored to your community with support from a BIANJ advisor.

You’ll receive $1,000 to launch your campaign, gain leadership experience, and compete against other colleges for cash prizes. Final campaigns are showcased statewide, giving your team and your school serious bragging rights.

Ready to make an impact and have fun doing it?

Apply Now

How It Works

Submit an application

Submit an application with details about your campaign.

Brainstorming Meeting

BIANJ staff will work with your group to brainstorm ideas and topics for your campaign such as pedestrian safety, impaired driving, e-bike/e-scooter safety or more.

GET TO WORK

This is your chance to BE CREATIVE! Show off your work through social media, fun PSAs, and campus events. A BIANJ advisor will be with you every step of the way to help guide you.

SUBMIT WORK

Submit your Mid-Term Update by February 20, 2026. Finish campaign and submit a Final Update by April 15, 2026.

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 CRASH Project Winners!

Passaic County Community College – Grand Prize Winner, focused their CRASH Project campaign on the dangers of reckless driving among their commuting student population. Through their impactful “Road Safety Hallway” installation, tabling events where peers shared real-life crash experiences, and engaging social media outreach, the team fostered awareness and reflection across campus. Collaborating with a local community partner, they delivered targeted messaging that resonated with students balancing work, school, and travel. By combining peer-driven storytelling, strategic outreach, and community collaboration, Passaic County Community College laid the groundwork for safer roads and a more informed student body.

New Jersey Institute of Technology – As the Runner-Up of this year’s CRASH Project, the New Jersey Institute of Technology implemented their “S.E.R.V.E.” campaign, a peer-driven initiative promoting essential driving safety habits: Stay focused and sober, Ensure seatbelts, Respect speed limits, Value safe distances, and Eliminate distractions. The NJIT team reached their campus community through a strategic mix of social media engagement and interactive live events, fostering conversations and action around responsible driving. With clear messaging and strong student involvement, their campaign made a lasting impression on both students and staff, reinforcing the importance of everyday safety behind the wheel.

Montclair State University – As the recipient of the Best New College award in the CRASH Project, Montclair State University led an impactful campaign promoting safe travel habits for all road users, with a strong focus on pedestrian, bicycle, and scooter safety. Their initiative highlighted key safety practices such as helmet use, visibility, and adherence to traffic laws, while also tackling the risks of impaired and distracted driving. Through education and outreach, the team empowered students to make responsible decisions both as drivers and passengers, reinforcing the message that everyone plays a role in building a safer campus and community.

Get Started with Our CRASH Project Toolkit

To help you with the CRASH Project, the following is a collection of content, tools, and resources. Looking for something else? Contact Us »

Promoting your project is vital to spreading the word about your campaign and increasing its impact.  Review the Media Tip Sheet Photo and Video Release Form.

Below are resources to help you get started with your project. Please use local, state, and national resources as you see fit for your campaign.

To enhance the CRASH Project, we’ve implemented an evaluation component developed by the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ. Groups will be asked to participate in an online evaluation at the end of the program.

Pledge to share the road!