Looking in the rear view mirror and seeing police lights flashing is enough to make any young driver nervous.

Now imagine being a young driver with autism spectrum disorder.

People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

This could certainly complicate a traffic stop or interaction with police officers.

That’s why Sgt. Charles Whitehead proposed a Blue Envelope program at the Salisbury Police Department.

Whitehead has a relative with autism spectrum disorder whose family was concerned about what his reaction would be during a police stop.

The blue envelope gives directions in case of police interaction.

Whitehead learned about the program from Police Chief Scott D. Robb at the Pohatcong Police Department in New Jersey. Similar programs are available in other states.

Whitehead proposed the idea to his chief, Don Sabo, who brought it to the Lehigh County Police Chief’s Association and Lehigh Valley Health Network. Pennsylvania State Police embraced the concept.

“Everyone was on board for developing the program and printing the envelopes,” Whitehead said.

The discussion began last summer and by late April they were ready to go with an English and Spanish version.

Two hundred requests for the envelopes came within days of the launch, the farthest being from Colorado.

Ryan M. Hay, administrator of Emergency Operations & Public Safety for LVHN, said the envelopes raise awareness. Drivers on the autism spectrum could have issues with bright lights, sirens or other triggers that could make a traffic stop difficult.

Hay advised caregivers to carry the envelopes for their passengers who could be affected.

The envelope has a place to designate if the driver is verbal or nonverbal. Instructions for the driver include to keep his hands on the wheel until the officer directs otherwise, and a warning that the officer could shine a flashlight in the car, could have a noisy radio or sirens.

The driver is directed to hand the officer the envelope and to answer questions.

The envelope gives direction to the officer, cautioning that the driver could show signs of anxiety, have repetitive boy movements, fidgeting or unusual eye contact.

This knowledge is important because those symptoms could be signs of impairment or other issues.

It would be easy for officers to just assume the driver is purposely being difficult.

To diffuse a potential problem, directions on the envelope suggest the officer speak clearly and simply, allowing the driver extra time to respond. A contact person’s phone number is provided if needed.

Inside the envelope drivers can keep their driver’s license, registration and insurance information and emergency contacts.

“Traffic stops can be high-stress situations for most people, and for those with ASD or other conditions, even more so,” said Chief Sabo said. “This program helps interactions go as smoothly as possible. The blue envelope is something all officers in Lehigh County will be trained on and recognize.”

Slatington Police Chief Greg Winokur said, “I do think it’s a great way to bridge the gap, to ensure safety for everyone.”

He was frank in his concern for his officers, referencing the four officers killed last week in North Carolina. That was an extreme situation, but Winokur said, “Officers come into work not knowing what’s going to happen that day.”

Winokur said his concern is safety for the drivers, the officers and the community.

The blue envelopes can give officers knowledge and understanding to keep a situation under control.

An informed officer can turn off lights or siren that could trigger a person. Knowing that a person doesn’t speak allows officers to make changes based on the behavior.

Winokur stressed that the law must still be carried out. The blue envelope is not a pass to escape a ticket or other penalty.

However, the envelope gives an officer understanding to better deal with the situation.

Hopefully, Lehigh County is just the start and other counties in Pennsylvania will embrace this program.

Envelopes are available at Lehigh County police stations and Lehigh Valley pediatric offices.

To request a blue envelope, or more for information, visit https://www.lvhn.org/blueenvelope.

MARTA GOUGER | mgouger@tnonline.com