Called the "Yellow Dot Program," a new initiative urges motorists in Eastern and Western Pennsylvania to store vital medical information in their glove box in the event of car accidents. This new program asks participants to complete an information sheet with this important data.

The form asks that drivers indicate emergency contacts, current medical conditions, allergies and medications, along with listing any recent surgeries. Participants are given yellow stickers to put in their rear windows. The stickers will alert first responders that up-to-date medical information is in the vehicle glove box.

Pennsylvania is not the first, but latest, in a growing number of states encouraging motorists to better protect themselves in this way. As the governor stated, "When someone is in a crash or they find themselves in an emergency situation, it's critical that emergency responders quickly find out as much as they can about the victim."

A state Representative brought the idea to the department of transportation's attention. The Pennsylvania DOT liked the suggestion and adopted the program. After its modest beginnings in Connecticut, the program is spreading across the U.S., with the full support of the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Program benefits are many. It's effective, simple and is not costly. First responders can quickly learn the medical situation of crash victims, potentially saving lives and minimizing reactions to medications for injuries. Emergency responders have a telling phrase at car accident scenes: They speak of the "golden" first hour after a crash.

Programs like this one help medical responders to make better–and safer–use of that magic first hour by having proper information. A second program to help responders, the Emergency Contact Information Program, permits drivers to log into secure databases to list two emergency contacts. This information is accessible only to law enforcement officials for use in emergencies.

Do you agree with lawmakers that these programs will save lives? Will you participate in the programs to better protect yourself?

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "New state program encourages motorists to store medical information in glove box," Jon Schmitz, Nov. 14, 2012