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Ask Spitfire -August 2024
Question: I see there are some state programs that offer ASM classes with trauma kits. How can I get my state DOT to offer ASM programs for my state?
Answer: Great question. Now is a great time of year to request funding for 2025, and start discussions with state programs for 2026 funding. Most state grant programs run from October 1st to September 30th of the following year, so federal or state-funded programs are about to start for the grant year 2025. Many of them have deadlines and it’s possible that we have missed the deadline for 2025 funding at this point, since October 1st is less than eight weeks away. It never hurts to ask and start a discussion with your state program. Individuals typically cannot apply for DOT funding. The DOT requires a business that has structure and is registered with Sam.gov. It’s not like a business can’t apply for Sam.gov, but ASM has experience working with state programs. We are also a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been around for 27 years, so our track record speaks volumes. We have worked with several state programs and are in a unique position to be able to apply for funding. Of course, it always helps when a state group or organization has already been working with their legislators or their DOT and has a relationship. In particular, I think of state motorcycle rights organizations (MROs) such as A.B.A.T.E., Freedom of the Road Riders, or Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. There are quite a few others, but working with groups also shows partnership to the state, which they appreciate. If you feel that your organization would support Accident Scene Management training for the bikers in your area, please reach out to me and we can discuss how we can get more motorcyclists trained and appropriately equipped so that they can be helpful if something goes wrong. We fully believe in and support avoiding crashing in the first place! We believe everything that can be done, should be done to reduce crashes. However, we also believe that when something goes wrong, the most likely person to be first at the scene of the crash is another motorcyclist. It is in all of our best interests for as many motorcyclists as possible to be trained and equipped so that they can help if the need arises.
Do you know how to help your friends?
Do they know how to help you???
Contact Vicki Sanfelipo by writing to her directly at vicki@roadguardians.org.
