SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will help improve communication between police officers and drivers with autism.
Autistic drivers in Springfield have been able to use blue envelopes since March, and the tools will be available statewide beginning Jan. 1.
If drivers get pulled over, they can show their envelope to alleviate fears and help law enforcement interact with them.
"Drivers can keep their license, registration and proof of insurance inside a distinctive blue envelope," Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said Tuesday. "When an officer sees it, they're immediately alerted that the individual may communicate differently, need additional time to respond or benefit from a different approach."
The program is voluntary, meaning neurodivergent drivers are not required to participate. However, the resources must be available at various locations run by the Secretary of State.
"We hear a lot of horror stories of children with autism who experience a crisis, and sometimes not a positive outcome comes out of this," said Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). "This will help everyone be successful."
Advocates said something as simple as a blue envelope can create safer outcomes for autistic drivers and law enforcement alike. This change means so much to people who previously went through overwhelming traffic stops.
"I was incredibly anxious," said advocate Zakariah Srdanovich. "It got to a point where I was honestly unable to speak. Back then, I didn't have the blue envelope program at all. I wasn't able to communicate with the officer that I even had autism."
This law passed unanimously out of both chambers.
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