TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that calls for the creation of a “Yellow Dot Program” that would assist motorists and emergency responders at the scene of motor vehicle accidents cleared the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.
“There is no time to waste when an accident occurs. Victims may not have the ability to inform emergency care workers of any medical conditions they have. The ‘Yellow Dot Program’ can help fix this. The sticker would let emergency responders know where to check for information that could be vital to people’s health, even survival, while saving considerable time,” said Codey.
The legislation, S-71, would allow motorists of any age to place a yellow sticker on their vehicles in order to notify emergency responders that critical health information is available in the glove compartment in case the driver is unable to communicate during an emergency. Information would include such things as medical conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, and high or low blood pressure, as well as any medications, hospital preferences and emergency contact information.
“This program is being done in other states and there is no reason we can’t bring it here to New Jersey. It is a smart, safe way to ensure people get the health services they need in the event of an accident,” said Codey.
The bill now heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.