Driver 'Red Dot' Safety Program Expanding

By Pam Robinson

Huntington's "Red Dot" driver safety program is expanding.

Begun in 2003 and coordinated with the Department of Handicapped Services, the program provides information to emergency personnel about medical, contact and insurance information concerning passengers and drivers. It originally was coordinated between first responders and the Department of Handicapped Services.

Participants complete a health information pamphlet and place it in their vehicle’s glove compartment. A Red Dot is affixed on the rear back side of the driver’s window of the vehicle to show that a participant is driving the vehicle.  

In an accident, in which the occupant of the vehicle is unable to communicate, emergency personnel will see the Red Dot and look in the glove compartment for the pamphlet.

The program is now expanded to all Huntington residents aged 18 or older. Parents of young children, caregivers, seniors and active drivers are encouraged to participate.

“I encourage all our residents to fill out their Red Dot pamphlets with as much or as little information as they’d like and help our first responders help them,” commented Councilwoman Susan A. Berland said.

For more information on the Red Dot program,  call Councilwoman Berland at (631) 351-3173. Tune into the Town’s TV Channel (18 on Cablevision; 38 on Verizon Fios) to see the Red Dot PSA, filmed with Scott Waryold, President of the Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs Council.