Questions about the CRASH Project
What is the CRASH Project?
The CRASH Project (College Roads and Safety Habits) is an educational and awareness peer-to-peer program empowering college students to develop campaigns to address transportation safety on campus and in their communities. This program is open to student organizations, clubs, classes, and/or Greek life.
How do we become a part of the CRASH Project?
This program is open to New Jersey colleges. Online applications are being accepted now through December 15, 2026. Each participating group is awarded a stipend to help implement their campaigns.
What happens after we become a part of the CRASH Project?
Groups will be notified by BIANJ and work with you to set up an initial meeting to discuss the program. Prior to the visit, group members will be advised by BIANJ staff about necessary paperwork and steps they can take to familiarize themselves with the project.
When will we meet with our BIANJ technical support person?
BIANJ technical support staff will schedule initial meetings after reviewing your application. After the initial meeting, email updates and check ins are conducted by BIANJ technical support staff. Meetings can be scheduled as needed virtually or in person.
What kind of topics should we address in our campaign?
Any topic that pertains to transportation safety (pedestrian, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, bus, or car safety) can be used. Examples include:
- Pedestrian, Bicycle, or Scooter Safety: Promoting visibility through reflective gear/bright clothing and helmet use. Educating on following traffic rules like using crosswalks, obeying signals, and avoiding distractions. Raising awareness about vulnerability and the importance of being a safe pedestrian and rider.
- Drive-focused: Targeting unsafe driving behaviors (speeding, running red lights), sharing the road with vulnerable users (pedestrians, scooters, motorcycles, etc.), distracted driving prevention.
- Ride-focused: Encouraging passengers to reduce driver distractions, promoting designated texters, intervening in unsafe driving situations.
- Impaired driving/riding/walking: Highlighting risks and consequences of impairment from alcohol, drugs (prescription or illegal), drowsy driving, and promoting alternatives like designated drivers or rideshare services.
- Legislative/Advocacy/Infrastructure: Focus on how laws, policies, roadway design, and community infrastructure can improve teen driver, pedestrian, and bicyclist safety. Advocating for safer traffic policies, raising awareness about transportation issues, promoting community engagement with local leaders, or encouraging improvements to roads, signage, crosswalks, and other safety features that help create safer streets for everyone.
When can we begin work on our project?
As soon as your group is notified that you have been selected, you may begin selecting your team members and holding meetings. You can also begin researching your chosen topic, deciding the roles and responsibilities of your team members, and reaching out to other organizations or community groups to partner with you.
How many students should be on our team?
Each group picks their own team. Some groups will have small teams and others may be larger. You should decide the size and style of project management will work best for your campaign.
How can we spend the stipend?
Your stipend will help implement your transportation safety campaign. Some groups will use the money to purchase materials to develop the campaign or products for giveaways, t-shirts or wristbands. Some groups use the money to host speakers or events at their school. The only requirement is that the money be used for transportation safety. Also, any profits that you make as a result of selling items need to be reinvested into transportation safety materials or programs.
What documentation do we need to provide for our project?
You will be required to complete a midterm and final update on the CRASH Project. This will include the three-part final, which consists of a written report, a project summary in either a PowerPoint or video format, and a 30 second to one minute highlight reel. We also encourage you to provide supplemental materials. Supplemental material includes proof of social media posts and any footage you have of your events. This can include photos of printed materials, press articles, surveys, questionnaires, T-shirts, or other materials.
What are the new Virtual Mid-Year Check In Meetings?
The Virtual Mid-Year Check In meetings are opportunities for students and advisors to provide a brief update on their campaigns and ask any questions they may have. Please note, at least one student is required to attend one meeting. Please schedule using this link. Mid-Year Check In meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times:
- February 23: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- February 24: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
What is the New Jersey Bike and Pedestrian Safety Coalition and how can we attend the Virtual Meeting?
The New Jersey Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Coalition (NJPBS) is hosted by the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ) and funded by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (NJDHTS). The vision of this coalition is to move towards zero deaths on New Jersey roadways. The coalition is made up of stakeholders from the field of transportation advocacy, non-profit organizations, and government agencies seeking to promote safe roads, prevent injuries, and reduce deaths among pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable roadway users.
CRASH participants are invited to join the Coalition Virtual Meeting on January 12, 2027 or April 13, 2027 at 10 a.m. via Teams to ask questions and hear from transportation safety experts for extra credit. To join, click here.
When are the midterm and final reports due?
The midterm update is due February 26, 2027 and the final update is due on April 23, 2027. Both reports are online forms. These forms can be found on the CRASH Project page on JerseyDrives.com.
