Georgia Department of TransportationGeorgia Department of Transportation

Issues/Crisis Management

Lessons Learned: I-75 Fatal Bus

CrashNTPAW 2007

Diagram of Accident Scene 3/2/07

Georgia Department of Transportation

Our immediate communications goals:

• Be on-site• Talk with other agency

PIOs • Stay in touch with senior

managers• Handle media inquiries• Develop key messages

Georgia Department of Transportation

Our key messages:

• Ramp and signage met MUTCD standards

• Left-hand HOV ramps are safe and meet federal guidelines

• GDOT cooperating with NTSB investigation

• GDOT open to safety improvements to prevent future accidents.

Georgia Department of Transportation

Measuring our efforts:• 500 phone calls in two weeks• Fairly balanced news stories

Broadcast media – 86% balanced/neutral

Print media – 72% balanced/neutral

• Lessons for next crisis Adjust message to public perception Avoid defensive messages Show GDOT leadership early