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SORROW TO STRENGTH

The CRASH and P.A.T.T. Guide To Legislative Relations

U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121

Ours is a world that has become skeptical, even cynical, about the political influence of the average citizen. Individually we may feel like a small cog in a very big wheel, but by working together we can often control the direction of the whole wagon train.

The most powerful tool you have in the fight for safety on our highways is your time — time to write letters, make phone calls, distribute information, and meet with legislators. Just a little time working with the CRASH team will save the lives of moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandmas and grandpas, best friends and spouses, who might otherwise be killed in crashes that could have been prevented.

By pulling together coalitions of businesses, professional associations, and concerned individuals, CRASH has earned a reputation as an effective safety organization. CRASH successes include passing legislation in 1991 to prevent the spread of triple trailer trucks and other “monster trucks”, stopping a U.S. DOT proposal in 1992 to increase the number of hours truck drivers could legally drive, and passing a Senate resolution in 1993 which instructs the U.S. trade representatives to not lower any U.S. truck safety standards during the NAFTA negotiations.

These successes could not have been possible without the dedicated individuals around the country who have given their time to save lives on our highways. Now, to help you maximize the benefits of the time you spend working with CRASH, we have produced this “Guide to Legislative Relations.” Utilizing the information contained in this guide will dramatically increase the likelihood that your message will be heard and heeded by your elected officials.

Thank you for joining the CRASH team and working with us to save lives on our highways. Together we really can make a difference!

Letters To Congressional Members

Writing letters is one of the most effective methods of communicating with members of Congress. Unfortunately, most people do not take the time to write their representatives and, as a result, members of Congress must often develop their positions based on a small number of letters. For this reason, your letter can directly impact how your member will vote on a highway safety bill.

The following tips can increase the probability that your representative will heed your concerns:

Send the letter to the attention of the transportation aide. Congressional members are very busy; therefore, each office will have an aide assigned to transportation issues. Sending your letter to the attention of the transportation aide will ensure that your letter gets into the hands of the person who can best relay your message. CRASH can provide you with the name of the aide.

Envelopes should be addressed:
The Honorable _______________________
United States (Senate or House of Representatives)
Washington, D.C. (20510 or 20515)
Attn: (Name of transportation aide)

Letter can be typed or hand written.

Be brief. A good rule of thumb is to keep the letter to one (1) page.

Clearly identify the issue and purpose of the letter in the opening paragraph.

Use your own words as much as possible. CRASH will provide you with a sample letter and/or key talking points to assist you, however, your letter will have a greater impact if you use your own words. Include your personal experience with the issue.

Refer to a specific bill by number. CRASH “Action Alerts” will provide you with this information.

Ask the Representative or Senator to clarify his/her position in a reply. If the reply does not adequately address your concern, write again asking for more clarification. Be persistent.

Be respectful. A reasonable, respectful letter will be taken more seriously than a threatening or demeaning letter.

Print or type your name clearly beneath your signature and include your return address. It is important for the member to be able to identify who has written the letter.

Follow up your letter with a phone call to the transportation aide 7-10 days after you mail the letter. A brief follow up phone call is a communication tool rarely used and incredibly effective.

Phone Calls To Congressional Offices

As mentioned in the previous section, following up a letter with a phone call is a rarely used but very effective tool. As with letters, there are some guidelines to follow when placing a call to a Congressional office:

Do not expect to speak directly to the Senator or Representative. Instead, ask to speak to the transportation aide.

Clearly identify who you are and what you wish to discuss. By doing so you identify yourself as a constituent and ensure that you are talking to the person who can best relay your message to the member.

Keep your message simple. Know what you want to say before you call. It is best to call only when confirming that a letter you sent was received and/or urging action on the part of the member — either voting for or against a particular bill, or co-sponsoring a bill.

Refer to a specific bill by number. The Truck Safety “Action Alerts” will provide you with this information.

Ask your Representative or staff member to reply to your phone call and to state the Representative’s intended actions. Your Senators and Representatives work for you and should be willing to inform you of their legislative positions.

Writing Letters To Your Local Newspaper

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper can serve two purposes. First, it can help educate the people of your community to your issue. Secondly, it can impact the position of your elected officials. Members of Congress regularly receive the newspapers from their districts and pay close attention to the editorials and letters to the editor.

Newspaper editors receive hundreds of letters every week. Here are some suggestions to increase the likelihood your letter will be printed:

Keep your letter brief. Many newspapers will not consider letters longer than 200-300 words.

Type your letter if you can. Editors often won’t read letters that are not typed.

Give your full name, address, and telephone number. Editors will not always verify identity, but will rarely print a letter without the aforementioned information.

Keep to the point. CRASH “Action Alerts” will provide you with talking points.

Don’t get discouraged if your letter is not printed. Newspapers receive hundreds of letters each week and cannot print them all. Try again with another angle on the problem.

General Congressional Information

To a Senator:

The Honorable _____________________________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator _____________

To a Representative:

The Honorable _________________________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman or Congresswoman _________________.

Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is also proper to address them as:

Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:

Or Dear Mr. Speaker: