About the CRASH Project (College Roads and Safety Habits)
The CRASH Project is a peer-to-peer educational and awareness program empowering college students to develop campaigns addressing transportation safety on campus and in their communities. Open to student organizations, clubs, classes, and Greek life, this program offers leadership experience, volunteer hours, and tackles a major public safety concern. Car crashes are a leading cause of death and disability for college-age students, with 8.5% of all crash fatalities in New Jersey among young adults aged 18 to 24. Additionally, with one-third of all traffic fatalities in NJ being pedestrians, the walkability of campuses and the inexperience of young drivers put college students at a particularly high risk for crashes. By participating in this program, you can raise awareness and help keep you and your friends safer on college roads.
Participating organizations receive a $1,000 stipend to develop a transportation safety campaign throughout the school year. Colleges will compete for cash prizes. A BIANJ advisor will provide support and assistance every step of the way. Final projects will be showcased on our website and promoted to community partners. Join other college campuses in making a difference by participating in our program today!
Questions? Contact us or call 732-745-0200.
Passaic County Community College – Grand Prize Winner, Passaic County Community Collegefocused 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 – Second year CRASH Participant, 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 »
Use the following links to learn more about the CRASH Project and your roles and responsibilities as a participating group.
- Application – due by January 1, 2025
- Mid-Term Update – due by February 28, 2025
- Final Update – due by April 1, 2025
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.
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- CRASH Project Media Tip Sheet
- Photo Video Release Form
- Sponsors Logos – please add the logos on this page to any materials you create as a way to thank our sponsors.
- Past Social Media Posts
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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.
