Many find value in speaking to the media. For some, it is something very concrete, for example, if there was a hit-and-run incident, publicity like Crime Stoppers can play a critical role in identifying the culprit.

Beyond that, telling your loved one’s story to the media can change people’s perspectives and drive both policy and culture shifts toward safer streets, helping to prevent others from going through what your family is going through.

You can talk with the press on your own terms: when you want, what you want to talk about and what is out of bounds, and what you will say on and off the record. You can also appoint a friend or family member to be the media contact

If you do decide to speak to the media, you will want to humanize your loved one by telling their story: what they loved to do for fun, what their hopes and ambitions were. At the same time, be prepared with a telling statistic and repeat it; for example, the fact that in crashes where the vehicle was going 20 mph 5% of pedestrians would die; that amount increases to 80% when the vehicle is going 40 mph. 

If you decide to speak with the press, get support and help with preparation. You may want to contact a local street safety advocacy organization to find out about changes sought in your community to support safe roads, safe vehicles and safe speeds as well as consult our detailed chapter manual.