Essex Sheriff's Office Offers Autism Awareness Seatbelt Covers

BEVERLY, MA — The Essex County Sheriff's Department is distributing autism awareness seatbelt covers that help quickly alert first responders that someone has autism and may be resistant to help in the case of an emergency.

The free medical alert covers wrap around the seatbelt that goes across a person's chest and is secured by Velcro.

"When police and firefighters respond to a car accident, time and information are of the essence," Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said. "These seatbelt covers will act as an alert to first responders that the person may need extra care and support during the emergency response.

"Car accidents are scary for anyone and can be particularly traumatic to someone with autism. These covers are a simple and easy way to make a difficult situation easier for all."

The seatbelt covers will be distributed at the Touch-A-Truck event at Endicott College Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those attending should park in Lot 14 at 376 Hale Street.

Those who are unable to attend the event, and would like a seatbelt cover, are encouraged to email Gretchen Grosky at ggrosky@essexsheriffma.org.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)