Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) to authorize a program providing emergency responders with critical health information about injured motorists has been signed into law.

Senator Singer’s “Yellow Dot” program allows municipalities or counties to establish a program that gives interested motorists a yellow sticker to place on their vehicle to alert emergency responders that there is vital health information stored in the vehicle’s glove box. Governor Christie signed the bill, S71, into law on Tuesday.

“This program can help save motorists’ lives by immediately alerting responders to a vehicle crash that a victim’s health information is available in their glove box,” Singer said. “Motorists injured in a crash often aren’t able to communicate with emergency workers about a condition that requires special care. Having that information readily available can greatly increase the ability of medical technicians to provide proper treatment.”

Medical information for emergency responders could include details of a person’s history of conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, allergies and heart conditions.

“Yellow Dot programs are simple but effective and are currently used in more than 20 states, including Connecticut and New York ,” Singer concluded. “I urge communities across this state to take advantage of the program.” [TLS]