Giving peace of mind: Blue envelope program aids ASD drivers during traffic stops

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Police in Passaic County have a new program to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder during a traffic stop. It is called the Blue Envelope Program and was launched by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. Several municipalities and cities like Passaic are participating in the program. A simple, yet effective tool, the envelope's goal is to help drivers with the documentation needed and safely communicate if a vehicle is stopped or is involved in a traffic accident. If someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder gets pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope. The driver will keep their driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and an emergency contact card inside the blue envelope. "I think this is a very pragmatic approach to ensuring that the interactions between police and high functioning individuals who have ASD or are on the spectrum, go... well for everybody," said Passaic Mayor Hector Lora. Participants are instructed to put a copy of their driver's license, vehicle's registration and insurance and emergency contact card inside the blue envelope. If someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder gets pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope--giving the officer everything the need to know. Lora hopes the initiative becomes a statewide program. "