“Yellow Dot” Medical-Aid Bill Becomes Law in New Jersey

New Jersey drivers with critical health issues now have an extra measure of assurance that they'll be tended quickly and accurately in crashes - even if they're unconscious at the time.

The "Yellow Dot" bill that shore State Senator Robert Singer (R-30) shepherded through the Legislature got Governor Chris Christie's signature Tuesday.

Under the measure, municipalities or counties can be the source point for yellow stickers at the disposal of drivers who request them. The stickers, placed on cars, indicate to emergency medical responders that there is potentially lifesaving information inside the glove compartment.

It can help save lives, Singer said in a prepared release, by speeding up the information flow, especially when a driver is unable to communicate, especially about special conditions, such as medical allergies or chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, blood pressure problems or heart ailments.

"Yellow Dot programs are simple but effective and are currently used in more than 20 states, including Connecticut and New York," he said. "I urge communities across this state to take advantage of the program."

Mount Laurel, independent of the measure, had previously implemented their own yellow-dot system, a point noted by the Governor in his conditional veto of the original bill.

The fiscal estimate attached to the law provides no indication of the cost of implementation, and no state funding is allotted. The cost would borne by counties or towns that choose to take part.

The fiscal estimate notes that there are several companies that offer the necessary components via the Internet, and assumes that municipalities will shop for their best prices.