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FROM THE SUMMIT
The answers to the first two questions are reasonably straight forward. Yes and fax the report to the number found in the heading of the accident report. A pdf document is available on the club’s web site ready to be printed off and carried in a pocket or fanny pack in the event there is an incident requiring its use. This form should be carried by every ride leader and at all times. I generally have one with me at all times in case someone forgets or needs more than one. This form should be completed anytime a ride member falls whether an injury is obvious or not. After completing the form, which requires statements from several witnesses, it should be faxed immediately to our insurance carrier. Generally this is the responsibility of a ride leader except in a situation when the ride leader is the accident victim. Oftentimes there is a great deal of confusion at the time of an injury causing an accident report to be forgotten. In these cases, it is perfectly acceptable to gather the facts and fax the report to the insurance company as soon as reasonably possible. The answer to the second questions takes a little more consideration and reflection. Calling 911 is seldom a popular choice unless the victim is unconscious and unable to protest the insistence of the ride leader. However, in cases where there are any questions about calling 911 or not calling 911, it is safer to err on the side of prudence and make the call. The best that could happen would be that the emergency vehicle comes and drives away leaving the injured person sitting on the side of the road waiting for a ride home from a friend. The worst that could happen would be that a serious injury is found requiring immediate medical attention. Many times cyclists worry that if an emergency response team is called and drives away because the injury was not serious, they, the cyclist, will be responsible for a large bill. I spoke today with a member of the Fremont Fire Department and was told the fire department will not charge a fee when a vehicle has been dispatched. If an ambulance is required, there could be a fee payable to the ambulance company. However, I also spoke with a representative of AMR and was told that unless medical treatment is administered at the scene of the accident or the injured party is transported to a hospital, a fee is not charged. She also told me that in most cases an injured party’s medical insurance will cover the cost. In almost every incident where I am ride leader, 911 will be called if there is any chance of a head injury, i.e., confusion, cracked or split helmet, there is a possibility of internal injuries or broken bones are protruding from an injury. I am much more willing to hear “I didn’t need an ambulance,” to “I went home and passed out.” You will find a report from the Nominations Committee in this month’s newsletter. A report was made during the August meeting as required by FFBC’s Constitution and By-laws and a vote will be taken during the September business meeting. I am very happy to report the wonderful NC, lead by the capable leadership of Florence Silver brought together a full slate for the 2006/2007 year. However, the Race Team had not yet selected a replacement for Richard Brockie as of the August meeting. I want to thank each member of this hard working team. Florence Silver who served as chair with the following members: Darryl Wilson, Brenda Gambina, Mark Davis, Bonnie Kellogg and Susan Lucchesi. Great job team!! Several Board members asked to be replaced. I want to thank Gary Smith who served as secretary for two years has asked to be replaced but assured me he plans to remain active in other capacities. We on the Board are going to miss Gary’s accurate and timely meeting minutes and his ability to quickly see the one tree in the forest that needs our attention. Thank you, Gary. Ron Mitchell has also asked to be replaced as Ride Coordinator but agreed to step forward to fill the Vice Presidency shoes vacated by Kevin Mahanna. We all know the daunting responsibility of putting together a full ride calendar each and every month and Ron has pulled his rabbits out of the hat each month and accomplished this challenge in aces. Thank you, Ron. Kevin Mahanna has also asked to be replaced. As many of you know, Kevin agreed to run as Vice President after only being a club member for a little over one year. Election year 2005/2006 definitely had its challenges and I leaned on the good sense and fresh perspective of Kevin to see us through. Thank you, Kevin. We will also miss Richard’s solid understanding of thorny issues. I am confident the Race Team will replace Richard with a comparably responsible, cheerful and knowledgeable team member. I am also happy to report that Sydney has agreed to come back another year to help as club Treasurer, Mike Northrup has agreed to continue as Member at Large and I agreed to serve one more year as President (provided there are no nominations taken from the floor). Thank you, Sydney and Mike. Jim Herman has agreed to fill Ron’s shoes as Ride Coordinator for the upcoming year. Many current members may not remember that while Jim served as Ride Coordinator a number of years ago (before school began filling his days) he brought us the popular Progressive Ride series concept. Jim also steered FFBC through three successful Primaveras. Welcome aboard, Jim. Remember, an organization without volunteers is an organization that is going nowhere. Hope to see many of you September 17 for the club picnic. Remember the words of a very wise person who said, “Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” I know I used this last month but a good quote bears repeating. See you on the road.
Karen White |
If you are a ride leader on a club ride and there is an accident, are you required to complete an accident report? And, once you have filled out an accident report, what then? How about knowing when to call 911?