Road ID

[kerrybelle]

I've decided to get a Road ID, since I will be doing more riding by myself. My question is which one? They now have 2 options, the regular one or the new interactive one. You can see the differences here: http://www.roadid.com/common/compare.aspx?GoBackURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.roadid.com%2fcommon%2fid.aspx%3freferrer%3d2258

I have a few concerns with the interactive one. What if there's a connection/system problem and they are unable to retrieve your information. Another thought is identity theft. I'm sure it's a secure site and all, but someone could get a lot of information about you.

The advantages of the interactive one is that you can keep your info updated.

What do you all think?

Kerry

[silver]

Mr. and I have the interactive. I felt that there were fairly good controls. I like that you can update the info. It's still a good idea to put the business card of your SO in your saddle pack, or at least their cell phone number, so they can be contacted immediately.

[PscyclePath]

I have the old-style, regular kind where the info is on the wristband. I live and cycle way out in the country most of the time, where there's no internet connectivity and cell signals are at best, sporadic.

By the time some good Samaritan could look it up, I'd probably really be dead in a ditch somewheres...

[KnottedYet]

I think X-rayted said something about how when she's working at the ER they just don't have time to look that stuff up. If the info is right there on the ID, they will have it.

RoadID will let you engrave both sides of the plate. (it doesn't look too bad, either!) Maybe have the interactive stuff on the front, then use a line to say "see other side" and put the vital emergency stuff on the back. That way the ER has the vital stuff, and when they have time they can have someone look up your interactive stuff.

Some of the info on my RoadID is out of date now, so I'm trying to decide what to choose for my new one, too.

[F8th637]

I lost my RoadID last year and have been thinking about getting a new one. I'm interested in hearing the pros and cons of both as well.

[Aquila]

I really want someone to just be able to know my identity, call my family and job if they find me dead in a ditch, or even unconscious, so I prefer the basic.

[sundial]

I have the old-style, regular kind where the info is on the wristband. I live and cycle way out in the country most of the time, where there's no internet connectivity and cell signals are at best, sporadic.

By the time some good Samaritan could look it up, I'd probably really be dead in a ditch somewheres...

Same here and that's why we have the basic. As for EMT's, the quicker they can access the information, the better for you. I think one should keep it simple.

[gnat23]

I have the interactive, because I move so often.

My bf has the interactive but still has his parent's phone number engraved on there (the dogtag seems to have more lines), because they will never ever move. ever.

The interactive feature also has a 800 phone number that can be called, one then punches in the ID number engraved on the back of the tag, and it will read off all the info you put into the website. In case you're concerned about internet connectivity where you're riding.

That being said, I've had mine almost a year and haven't "used" it yet, so I dunno how it works in an emergency situation, thank goodness!

-- gnat!

[KSH]

I have a basic one.

When I upgrade, I'll probably go with the interactive one. I'm not concerned with the hopsital getting the information, other than who to call ... I want my contacts to get my insurance information.

[DDH]

I have the basic one. I wasn't to concerned with ordering from them online. There are not many places that I will order from online, because we try to be very careful, but they are a reputable company so I wasn't to concerned and haven't had any problems thus far.

[Fujichants]

I have the basic one as well. Nice and simple.

[kerrybelle]

I have the basic one. I wasn't to concerned with ordering from them online. There are not many places that I will order from online, because we try to be very careful, but they are a reputable company so I wasn't to concerned and haven't had any problems thus far.

Thanks for the input. My concern isn't with ordering online, but with having my information stored by them, where someone could possibly gain access to it. If they have your insurance info then they would have your SSN, too.

I'm still deciding, but think I'll go with the regular one.

[K8sgotgame]

I just picked up the basic one because I ride a lot in middle of nowhere NY. Makes me feel a little bit more secure as my ID is always in my saddle bag -- not that useful if I get jumped and some farmer steals my bike leaving me in a ditch.

[NoNo]

I've also been thinking of getting one of these, but I have a different problem (sorry for the thread hijack): which one to get? I don't even wear a watch because I don't like things on my wrist, banging around every time I put my hand down. On a hot day, I doubt I'll be comfortable with the dog tags sticking to me. I was thinking the ankle style, but wasn't sure if it rubbed or impeded the natural movement at all. So what does everyone here use and how does it work for you?

[Aquila]

I'm like you about not wanting things on my wrist (or ankle). I use the one that you stick through your shoe lace. I only notice it because the color's bright when I tie my shoe. I'd get cranky with something on my wrist or ankle, I think.

[kerrybelle]

I'm not sure which style to get, either. I think the wrist or ankle band would be best and easily seen, but not sure about taking it on and off all the time. In theory you could wear the 'dog' tag style all the time, not sure I would though.

[Grog]

I have a traditional Fixx (dogtag).

I live in Canada, which would probably not be an issue with the interactive version, but I just don't want the emergency work to depend on a phone call. I'd rather pay another $20 when the information changes... (which is not very often)...

[KSH]

I've also been thinking of getting one of these, but I have a different problem (sorry for the thread hijack): which one to get? I don't even wear a watch because I don't like things on my wrist, banging around every time I put my hand down. On a hot day, I doubt I'll be comfortable with the dog tags sticking to me. I was thinking the ankle style, but wasn't sure if it rubbed or impeded the natural movement at all. So what does everyone here use and how does it work for you?

I have the ankle one. Since it's a velco strap you can make it as tight or as lose as you want.

Since you probably wear socks... you just put it over your sock and honestly, you will never notice it.

I wear mine for cycling and running and have never once paid attention to it. Then again, I don't make it too tight or too loose.

[solobiker]

Thanks for starting this post. I have been thinking about getting one for sometime now.

[KnottedYet]

I wear my ankle one all the time.

Add the wrist one when I ride.

[milkbone]

I'm a paramedic and to me, if you are badly injured I am not going to be taking the time to look for your ID, thats Highway Patrols job or PD, what we will look for is any medical alert ID tags, the wrist band are usually best because they are more noticable.

If you get injured and are a bad enough trauma, all your clothes are getting cut off anyway.

It may not be the best idea for everyone but the military dog tags you would wear around your neck would probably stand out the most, or a wrist bracelet. Any info not on an actual medical alert tag will (at least for us here) wait until you get to the ER, Allergies to medications or severe allergies(bees), seizure disorders, diabetics, of anyone with a known heart condition or other serioius condition would greatly benefit from a highly visible medical alert tag.

The ER would most likely use any information found on an ID tag, EMS would use any info for medical alerts.

Hope this info helps, if you come up with any other specific questions that you think I might be able to help with just let me know.

Kerry

[Harley]

Milkbone..
what do you think is the best information to have on these id's?
allergies, medical problems are important but what else?
name, age, birth date, blood type, contact phone numbers, insurance info?

thanks for your input.

[KnottedYet]

I'm putting "hypoglycemia" front and center on my new one. Cuz I get *very* weird when my blood sugar crashes. I get so lost, I don't even know enough to tell someone with me that I need to eat. And I can't remember that I need to eat. And even if food is put right in front of me, I can't decide what to eat. (at this point, I have a very well-trained sweetie, who will administer glucose tabs or Clif Bloks as needed)

Milkbone: What is better, "hypoglycemia" or "low blood sugar"?

[milkbone]

Milkbone: What is better, "hypoglycemia" or "low blood sugar"?[/QUOTE]

Milkbone..
what do you think is the best information to have on these id's?
allergies, medical problems are important but what else?
name, age, birth date, blood type, contact phone numbers, insurance info?

thanks for your input.
Yesterday 06:26 PM


For hypoglycemia or low blood sugar - either or would be fine, low blood sugar might be better just in case someone with no medical knowledge can easily recognize and pronounce it to the dispatcher what it says, when we get to a patient that isn't acting right, getting a BGL is one of the first things we do.

In MY OPINION, (you still have to make up your own mind), If I were to get one I'd have my name, allerigies, any critical medical problems (asthma, seizures, diabetic, etc), and maybe just a phone number.

Blood Type could be a good idea, but a dr will want to get the lab to crossmatch anyway if there is enough time, and they can also use Type O blood for anyone (universal donor). But it couldn't hurt to put it on there.

Hope this helps everyone, just remember this is only my opinion. Don't take what I say as gospel, all EMS systems are different, maybe get in contact with your local Emergency Operations Center (County Level usually), they my be able to suggest any specifics they might want as well.

[kerrybelle]

Thanks for the info Milkbone! Your input is very useful, even if it's not gospel.

I was thinking about having my blood type on mine, since I'm O Positive. I don't have any allergies or serious medical conditions, but I do wear hard contacts.

Kerry

[RoadRaven]

what we will look for is any medical alert ID tags, the wrist band are usually best because they are more noticable.


This is interesting... we had a similar thread a year or so ago, and one of our riders worked in ER, and she suggested the ankle as the best place...

So ankle or wrist it is...
:)

[F8th637]

Plus, if you are wearing it on your ankle, the movement of your legs may get you more noticed.

http://commutebybike.com/2008/05/07/little-things-get-you-noticed/

[Miranda]

I've also been thinking of getting one of these, but I have a different problem (sorry for the thread hijack): which one to get? I don't even wear a watch because I don't like things on my wrist, banging around every time I put my hand down. On a hot day, I doubt I'll be comfortable with the dog tags sticking to me. I was thinking the ankle style, but wasn't sure if it rubbed or impeded the natural movement at all. So what does everyone here use and how does it work for you?


I realize this thread is a bit old, but I love these people at RoadID so much I have to put in a blab about their products.

I bought their products after having the problem of not remembering to bring my DL with me as ID. I was almost hit at dusk, with no ID, and alone. Not good. When I take off my RoadID, I strap it to my helmet. I never ride without putting my helmet on, so I don't ever forget to put on my RoadID at the same time.

I am a person that can't stand tags in the collars of tops etc. Cut em out right away.

I have the pink wrist basic ID. They did a great job arranging all of my info to get it to fit. I have a pink Polar HRM, so pink on each wrist works. They are light.

I bought ankle ID bands just for some extra reflective material. They are very soft, and light. If you place it too low or loose, it might get in with the shoe. Just snug it up a bit. You will forget it's there.

I have a Firefly on my Topeak wedge bag. Fits perfect. VERY cheap batteries from their site, vs a discount store.

Lastly, I recently bought some extra Fireflys to put on my ankle ID bands. I am going to try night riding, and saw a cyclist once with red blinkies on his ankles. Very attention catching... blinkies and pedaling movement. I decided that just clipping them on the strap would be bothersome. I can sew some, and simply took a seam ripper to the elastic strap and threaded the Fireflys through, and securely sewed it back together. That you can feel some, but it's ok.

FWIW...

Miranda :)

[CATWOMAN]

I've had my basic one for a year now. Mine is so basic that when I had an issue with one of the contacts on it, I took a sharpie and crossed out his name and number:D I love the basic because it allows a loved one to know I'm in trouble at the same time as being able to convey important information about me to a hospital or whatever.

Don't forget about putting emergency contact numbers under (In Case of Emergency) ICE 1, ICE 2, .... in your cell phone address book. We were informed of this in Georgia; don't know if it was a national thing or just local.

[spindizzy]

I have also been thinking about getting one as I keep misplacing my drivers license..in my jersey, my saddlebag, back in my wallet...I've also had a very morbid (but kinda' funny) thought. Don't mind them around my ankle but with my luck I'd be involved in something that would cause the loss of the leg..and the id.:eek:

[teigyr]

I have the ankle interactive one. I use it for running, cycling, and OW swimming and have never had problems. I am one of those who is really annoyed by seams and tags, also.

I got the interactive because it has a spot to put insurance info on it (on the website, that is). I also travel a lot and while an emergency number might not change if it's DH's cell phone, I also like to update the hotel info or wherever it is we're staying. I don't always carry my drivers license or insurance card, especially when I'm running, so I think it's a good thing.

Maybe it wouldn't be bad to have both kinds? I think they are very reasonably priced.

The RoadID people were great to work with and I got the impression they weren't in the business strictly to make a profit. They seemed to truly believe in what they were doing, also.

[JLMitchell]

I strongly encourage getting one, too! I downhill skate in the country hills and mountains out of state sometimes. Injuries can happen, so I got one for that.

I've had it for a year or so. I've got the wristband with the immediate, need-to-know basics: my name, two contact numbers, my blood type, and allergies (none). I've made a habit, like someone posted before, of strapping it to my helmet when I'm not riding so I never forget to put it on. There's always the morbid thought of losing an arm, like spindizzy said, but hopefully it won't be too far away from me.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

I ride alone quite a bit too, so I got the interactive ankle ID. Its comforting actually knowing its there in case I ever get knocked out. I used to just carry a copy of my DL/insurance in my seatbag, but I realized that EMTs PROBABLY won't take my bike with me in the ambulance. :P

After I read all the stuff on RoadID's site about how they protect our info, I didn't worry so much. Plus - I don't put my SSN or actual insurance #s in there. I figure its enough for them to have my name, addy, contact #s, important health info. When I "come to", or when they ready the bill, I can get them the insurance filing stuff.

I don't notice the ankle thingee either.. It usually overlaps the top of my shortie socks.

Good product!!

[NoNo]

I'm glad this thread got revived. Good reminder for me to get my ID! After reading your comments, I think I'm going to go with the ankle one.:)

[han-grrl]

I've always wondered about the RoadID because i ride a great deal alone (something i am trying to change this year:rolleyes:) but i think it is a great idea...

[roadie gal]

I work in an ER. I definitely recommend having some sort of ID like the RoadID. (I wear a Medic Alert tag because of a serious medical problem.) I would go for the wrist or ankle bracelet over the shoe tag. If you're in an accident where you can't talk to the paramedics, your clothes are probably going to be cut off and the ID might be lost. I'm not a fan of dog tags, but I've come around to liking them more. I would never put it on your helmet. That's going to be taken off right away.

I would put name, contact number, any medical problems, allergies and medications. I wouldn't worry about blood type. If you need blood you'll be crossmatched. In a severe emergency you'll get O- while they're awaiting the crossmatch.

[LoriO]

I have the interactive ID and love it. The reason I went with that is that I use my Roadid not just for biking but also for when I go out riding on my horse. With the interactive I can list emergency contact information about what barn I am from and also who to call to take care of the horse if I am hurt. I decided to get the RoadID after I had an accident at the barn where I could have been seriously hurt but thankfully wasn't. Still it was a huge wake up call for me.

What I put on the front of my bracelet is my name and then the 2nd line is my drivers license number. That way any police department any where can run that and at least get my basic information about who I am right away and then can access the interactive information when they are able too.

[crazycanuck]

Just a heads up for all us down under..I remember seeing a similar item to road id in one of the Aust MTB mags a few months ago..I shall search for the info tonight..

I'd like one :)

[Grog]

Just a note: I noticed yesterday that my husband's RoadID tag's writings are fading a little, while mine aren't. Mine is a Fixx (dogtag) and it's engraved, his is a wrist band and it seems somehow "printed" (the characters are black... or fading).

I was a bit disappointed with that, as I was planning to get a wrist band for myself. But the plate on the wrist band is rounded, which maybe makes it harder to engrave??

[OakLeaf]

When I "come to", or when they ready the bill, I can get them the insurance filing stuff.

Not a good idea. Because like it or not, whether you have insurance affects the quality and quantity of your care. I personally would be extremely worried about what medical care I'd get if I couldn't verify I have insurance - especially if I'm in a condition to need "extreme measures" on arrival.

I have a Spibelt (http://www.overtonfitness.com/spibelt.php) for running. I just keep my insurance card, driver's license and organ donor card in there, and I don't even notice it's there. There's room for a phone, but I couldn't get it to not bounce with a phone in it, so when I run, my phone goes in a pocket on my water bottle carrier.

Cycling, I keep all my paperwork in a small ziploc bag in a jersey pocket (all of the above plus a credit card, my car key and some cash); my phone goes in another ziploc in the other pocket. The phone I just got has a feature where it ties three numbers in the phone book to ICE at the top of the contacts menu. (That way, they keep their regular entry in my phone book, and it doesn't always come up "ICE" on Caller ID whenever they call.)

I don't see how a Road ID is easier than this. More waterproof, yeah, but as long as I get a new ziploc periodically, it does pretty well. And I am concerned about privacy - whatever level of encryption RoadID uses doesn't keep an insider from selling the data, which is how a lot of the most publicized scandals have happened lately. I do realize that giving any information to a health insurance company these days is tantamount to putting it on a billboard, but still, the fewer people I give my information to willingly, the fewer people have it.