ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Earlier today the Chemung County Sheriff's Office announced the adoption of the Blue Envelope Program, in an effort to ensure the safety of drivers with autism.

Law enforcement agencies across the nation have adopted this program as a way to allow drivers with autism to streamline the identification process during a traffic stop.

"There are many adult drivers who are living with Autism. A driver's physical movements or verbal responses which would normally be appropriate during a traffic stop may be beyond an autistic driver's control. Around the country, there have been some unfortunate incidents where, during a traffic stop of a person with autism, the officer has misinterpreted the driver's movements, or driver's failure to appropriately respond to requests or to directions. This has sometimes led to an escalation of the situation and resulted in a bad outcome," said Chemung County Sheriff William Schrom.

The envelope is meant to be a place where drivers can keep necessary and relevant documents like their drivers license, registration, and insurance card. When an officer sees the blue envelope, they will adjust their own actions in order to better resolve the situation. 

"On this blue envelope there's actually instructions for the driver to say at nighttime, you might see a flashlight and it might go through your car. It's not a big deal, there's nothing to worry about. The officer is going to ask you for this and that, and on the back of it, it's not a big deal, there's nothing to worry about. The officer's going to ask you for this and that, and on the back of it it's kind of instructions for the officer hey, this person has been identified. This is the way you should react," added Chemung County Undersheriff Douglas Houper.

The program is being promoted by the New York State Sheriff's Association for statewide adoption.