On September 8, 2008, Ohio will officially
become one of the first states to make a next of kin registration process available to Ohioans. Any holder of a valid
Ohio driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary permit or State of Ohio identification card will have
the option of providing the name and information of a contact person they wish to be notified in the event the individual
is involved in a crash or emergency and is otherwise unable to communicate with the contact person.
"In an emergency situation, time is critical to saving lives, but it can be just as critical to have accurate
contact information for next of kin," said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director, Henry Guzmán. "This
is yet another way we can all work together to be prepared to respond, or help the public respond, to any emergency."
Beginning
Sept. 8, Ohioans will be able to provide next of kin information for up to two contacts online or at any Ohio Bureau of Motor
Vehicles (BMV) deputy registrar location. While the system is based on next of kin, the actual contact person is not required
to be the next of kin. The system is set up to allow a nearby relative, friend or co-worker to be the contact for those over
the age of 18. Those under the age of 18 are required to provide a parent or guardian for the primary contact.
House
Bill 392 gave the BMV the authority to establish and maintain a next of kin database. This secure database will only be accessible
to BMV employees and law enforcement officials using it for the purpose of next of kin notification.
"You never
know when you or someone you love could be involved in a serious crash," said BMV Registrar, Mike Rankin. "While
participating in the notification system is not required of our customers, we are encouraging all Ohioans to take advantage
of this opportunity to ensure someone can be reached in the event of an emergency."
For more information, please
call 614-325-4720 or 740-815-8531. Or contact us via e mail linda@parentgrief.com or luann@parentgrief.com
