Window Dots Alert Penn. Responders to Drivers` Medical Conditions

July 29--JOHNSTOWN -- It's the car sticker that could save your life.

PennDOT's "Yellow Dot" program has been around for several years, said Daniel Zakraysek, coordinator of the Cambria Allegheny Regional Highway Safety Network.

But since entering his position in January, Zakraysek said he's been trying to build awareness in Cambria and surrounding counties.

"I'm really out there trying to hammer this program because I feel it's very worthwhile," he told The Tribune-Democrat.

The program is intended for senior citizens or drivers with medical conditions such as asthma, epilepsy or diabetes, Zakraysek said.

Participants are given packets of personal medical information to go in the glove box of their vehicle. In the event of an accident, a yellow dot stuck in their rear window will alert first responders to the potentially lifesaving information.

Zakraysek, a former Upper Yoder Township police chief, said he recognized its merit during his time on the force.

"I can't tell you, in my career, how many times we've had cars going 3 miles per hour up the road and we've tried to stop the car, and the driver's just like in a daze," Zakraysek said. That driver could be a diabetic, he said, hypothetically.

"You don't know that at the time, and they have no bracelets on, so (the yellow dot) would help," he said. "The paramedics would arrive on scene and would immediately know to check the blood sugar of that individual and administer glucose or insulin."

To register for the program, visit www.YellowDot.pa.gov or call the PennDOT sales store at 717-787-6746.

Justin Dennis is a multimedia reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @JustinDennis.

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