The Road ID company offers a unique system to ensure that outdoor enthusiasts and athletes have durable, stylish and affordable emergency identification always available. Everyone who has an active outdoor lifestyle needs one of these. Road ID can save your life. Period.
It’s easy to happily wander through the outdoors with the mindset that “it won’t happen to me,” when in reality we are exposed to dangerous and potentially life-threating situations on almost every outdoor adventure. According to Road ID, approximately 450,000 people are taken to hospitals unconscious and without identification each year.
I was one of those people. It happened in the blink of an eye. One minute I was walking an exposed shale cut in a reclaimed strip mine while headed to one of my favorite bow fishing spots and the next minute, the slippery shale gave way, and I fell. I fell hard. My camera and bow went flying. The sharp edges of the shale cut my hands, my knees and everywhere else when I landed. There I was … sprawled out in the shale, and speechless. As I lay there catching my breath and doing a little mini assessment of my injuries, I realized quickly that hiking back to car was going to be tricky since one knee was already swelling like a hot air balloon on race day.
Willie may be a great retriever and service dog, but he can’t talk! Photo courtesy of Judi White – McCann
I always travel afield with my service dog, Willie. He has been trained to find help and wait by the car to lead someone to me, but he can’t talk. Because I have MS, often times I can’t talk either, and may even appear to have had a stroke. Luckily, this time, I was finally able to get myself together and using Willie as ambulation support, hobble slowly back to the car. That time I was lucky. Next time, I might not be so lucky.
That was just one of many close calls I’ve had afield, but it was the one that finally made me realize that I had to find a system to provide emergency personnel with information, not only about who to contact in an emergency, but also about my medical history. I worked in EMS for more than 10 years and I know all too well the delays and problems that can occur when trying to provide care to an injured and unresponsive person with no ID or contact information available. I rarely carry any form of ID with me afield other than whatever required license or permit I need and perhaps a photo ID if it’s required to be shown with said license or permit. I have a state-issued photo ID so that I don’t risk losing my driver’s license while climbing, wading and wandering, etc. While both my required permits and the state-issued ID have my name and address, they offer no information to first responders about who to contact, any pertinent medical history, medications, my status as an organ donor, etc. This could result in a delay of lifesaving treatment, or worse yet inappropriate treatment due to lack of current medical history.
What’s a gal to do? I’ve seen a variety of medical alert jewelry, but none that I perused seemed to be my style, and certainly did not look sturdy and durable enough to withstand my outdoor excursions. Luckily for me a cyclist friend introduced me to Road ID.
Road ID Elite is stylish enough for the boardroom, yet sturdy enough for any back-country adventure. Photo courtesy of Gretchen Steele — Steele Photo Services
Road ID Offers a variety of styles designed specifically for an active outdoor lifestyle. I quickly visited Road ID’s easy to navigate website and ordered the Road ID Elite – Interactive Version. With an affordable retail price of $29.99, and an annual fee of $9.99 for the interactive component, (free for the first year!), it was a small price to pay for the increased peace of mind. I chose the interactive version because it allows me to complete a very detailed medical history profile that is made available to first responders and emergency personnel by simply placing a phone call, or visiting a website and providing the serial number and pin number located on the back side of the bracelet.
The ordering process is easy. The Road ID web site guides a customer through every step and allows you view what the finished product will look like, as you are able to customize your Road ID to display any type of information you choose. The site also offers a demo of how the interactive version works, and an excellent comparison page to help you decide which product is best for each customer.
Road ID offers a variety of styles – from bracelets, dogtags, shoe and boot tags and even a system on collars for pets or service animals! I chose the Elite style, based on its sturdy silicone band and watch style buckle.
Road ID — It’s not just a piece of gear, it’s peace of mind. Photo courtesy of Gretchen Steele — Steele Photo Services
My Road ID arrived within just three days of placing my order. It included a nifty metal storage box, along with complete and detailed instructions for customizing the fit and completing my Road ID profile for first responders.
The collective sigh of relief that came from my family friends could be heard across three counties. I’ve worn my Road ID daily since its arrival. The bracelet is stylish enough that I am comfortable wearing it in meetings and more business like settings, as well as during my time afield.
The Road ID bracelet has held up without problem in variety of weather conditions for all my outdoor activities. It does not impede my use of a bow, gun, fishing road or camera. Frankly, once on, it simply isn’t noticeable to me. The silicone band handles the wet and mucky activities without problem, and it has been easy to adjust its fit as my weight fluctuates.
Five Reasons why should not leave home without Road ID:
Road ID is a U.S. company, owned by father-and-son-team Mark and Edward Wimmer, and is based in Kentucky. Road ID has a strong commitment to all outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, as well as to the community. If you still aren’t convinced, read through the testimonials from Road ID users by clicking here. These examples will certainly convince you that Road ID provides peace of mind, and lifesaving information for a most affordable price.
For me, Road ID is not just a piece of gear, it’s peace of mind.
I have a Road ID I where when running and working out. I have never thought to wear it when I am hunting and fishing. It is about time I start! Thanks for the inspiration, Gretchen.
Gretchen,
Nice review, I’ve almost been wearing mine daily, and do wear it every time I ride. Let hope our never have to be used.
Big fan especially for when I am out hunting or out running. Great post, Gretchen!!!
Biggest problem? Atrocious Customer Service: no response after 3 tries….Plus, a standard form from them made fun of truckers, the very people who are willing to drive all night through snowstorms to bring RoadIDs to customers.