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Oswego County has introduced a new program to make traffic stops less stressful for drivers with autism. The Blue Envelope Program provides drivers with autism a special envelope to store their license, registration, and other important documents. When presented during a traffic stop, the blue envelope alerts officers to the driver's condition, helping to prevent misunderstandings and de-escalate potential conflicts.
The initiative, announced by Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton, is part of the county's recognition of Autism Awareness Month. According to Sheriff Hilton, "There have been some unfortunate incidents where, during a traffic stop of a person with autism, the officer has misinterpreted the driver’s movements." The program aims to address these issues by providing clear instructions for both the driver and the officer on how to handle the situation.
The Blue Envelope Program was developed in collaboration with the Oswego County Autism Task Force, including members Tammy Thompson and Julie Chetney. Drivers can obtain a blue envelope by contacting the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office or visiting the Public Safety Center in Oswego.
The program is part of a broader initiative by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, which has been promoting the Blue Envelope Program statewide since January. Other counties, such as Cayuga and Onondaga, have also adopted similar programs to support neurodivergent drivers, as reported by LocalSYR.