Teaneck—Councilman Yitz Stern, with the concurrence of the rest of the Township Council, last week asked the Township administration to look into the implementation of a local “Yellow Dot” program, based on a recently enacted state law designed to help provide first responders with vital information on car accident victims.

The law promotes the use of round yellow stickers on a car’s left rear window to indicate the presence of a driver’s photo and a list of their relevant medical conditions in a yellow envelope in the glove box, and will allow county and municipal governments to assist accident victims get immediate and appropriate treatment.

“There are times when individuals hurt in a crash are unable to communicate with emergency responders to advise them about a medical condition that requires special attention and care. If that information is readily available in the vehicle, medical personnel may be able to provide better and quicker treatment,” said Stern.

More than 20 states, including Connecticut and New York, now use this type of program to provide emergency response personnel with quick access to medical information. According to the legislation, governing bodies wishing to set up this type of program should initially involve local first responders in its creation and development, develop program materials in line with other programs that currently exist, and make the yellow dot decals conveniently available.

“With our emergency responders being dispatched frequently onto Routes 4 and 80/95, as well as covering all of our local roads, this program can quickly alert responders to a vehicle crash that a victim’s health information may be available in the glove compartment,” Stern said. “Having that information readily available can save precious moments on the scene.”