People are responding positively to a law legislation passed last year that allows the Wyoming Department of Transportation to contact the next of kin in case one is in an accident, if one chooses the option when receiving or renewing their driver's license. (Photo: Seneca Riggins)
WYDOT Driver Services Manager Don Edington said drivers give the information to WYDOT Driver Services when getting or renewing their driver’s license.
The option is available as a result of legislation passed last year.
“I think it came more from the public than anywhere else, and the 2011 Legislature approved the change effective Jan. 1,” Edington said. “I can tell you as of this (Wednesday) morning, there are at least 500 who applied.”
When drivers choose the option, the back of their license will indicate next of kin information is on file. Emergency response personnel and law enforcement officers can then obtain that information when needed by contacting WYDOT Driver Services or the Wyoming Highway Patrol communications center.
WYDOT spokesperson Dave Kingham said, “A lot of people can see the value in it.” He added that the number of people who applied was a surprise to him.
Kingham added that the pursuit of a driver’s next of kin could be labor intensive.
Drivers taking the option must sign an application that designates one person they want contacted in the event of an emergency, a phone number and address where they can be contacted, and that person’s relationship to them, according to WYDOT.
Minors who request the option must have a parent or guardian sign a release giving permission to keep the information on file and approving the contact information submitted.
Edington said a few other states, including Pennsylvania and Texas, also offer the next of kin option.
