newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Sen. Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) said Thursday he would like to see legislation he has proposed become law in 2012 that would establish a so-called “Yellow Dot Program” designed to assist emergency care workers at the scene of motor vehicle accidents.

The legislation (S-3045), 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 with them. 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.

“There is no doubt that this kind of program will save lives,” Codey said. “Not only that, but it is a simple, easy way to provide much needed medical information without being invasive of people’s lives because it is volunteer based. When an accident occurs, every second is precious and often those involved may not have the ability to inform emergency care workers of any medical conditions they have. This program will go a long way towards alleviating that problem. The yellow 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.”

Should the measure be approved by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, it would need the approval of Gov. Chris Christie. Codey and the governor are presently not on good terms politically.