Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

In 2002, Connecticut introduced the Yellow Dot Program, which helps first responders to gain needed information to care for car accident victims in the first few minutes following an accident. But other states throughout the country have been slow to adopt this program.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys are happy to learn of the recent announcement made by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) that the Yellow Dot Program will be coming to life in our state. We know that the first 60 minutes following a car accident in Illinois are the most critical, so allowing emergency responders to gain access to important information right away could potentially save a life.

IDOT is partnering with Illinois Department of Aging, the Department of Public Health and other county health departments to help raise awareness about the new life-saving program. It is voluntary but will be federally funded and offered to all Illinois residents.

Police, emergency medical personnel and firefighters will now be able to arrive on the scene and check for an envelope in the glove compartment as indicated by a yellow dot sticker on the lower corner of the rear-facing windshield behind the driver. If a victim is found unconscious but has pre-existing medical conditions it can make it difficult to treat them with the best possible care. This program is most advantageous for treating older adults or victims with disabilities who may not be able to communicate following an accident but have allergies or other conditions that need to be taken into account when receiving medical treatment. Giving emergency medical technicians and paramedics accurate information can help them to make the right decisions during the first hour following a crash.

The Got the Dot? program is simple. Drivers can find the nearest resource center to apply for the program by searching the IDOT website or clicking here to see the entire list of locations.

The medical identification envelope (printed on yellow stock paper) should be placed in the glove compartment of the vehicle. The medical card will contain important information that may be necessary in treatment. The following is information that can be found on the card:

-Name, date of birth and gender.
-Blood type and a list of up-to-date allergies.
-Information about notable conditions like diabetes, pacemakers or others.
-Dated information listing medical conditions, medications and prescribed doses.
-The name, group number and identification number of your medical insurance provider.
-Emergency contact information that includes name, address, home and cell phone number.
-Name of any and all physicians who treat you regularly, along with address and office phone number where they can be reached.
-Additional information like recent surgeries that may be needed to treat a victim accurately.
-An updated head shot is placed on the front of the medical card so first responders can identify the victim with the matching card.

Once you have taken care of all the information on the medical card, place the envelope in the glove compartment and adhere the yellow dot sticker to the window.

Illinois drivers are encouraged to take the few simple steps needed to become a participant of the Yellow Dot Program. It could actually save your life if you are in need of medical attention but can't communicate following a crash.