Starting next month, driving licenses in the state of Maryland will have a new symbol with a very special puro¡pose: help people with hidden disabilities to be safe during emergencies or when they interact with police officers. The goal of this measure is to make officers and emergency teams understand in a fast way that a person can have autism or other developmental disabilities that can’t be noticed at first glance. So, let’s find out more about this new symbol, shall we?
History about driving licenses
Driving licenses have existed in the United States since the beginning of 1990. At first, some states sent them with no need of passing an exam and it wasn’t until 1950 when driving licenses became a compulsory requirement, and little by little theory and practical exams were added.
Today, anybody who wants to have a driving license must pass 3 tests:
- A written test to show they understand traffic laws.
- A vision test to make sure they can see well enough to drive safely.
- A practical driving test to demonstrate real driving skills.
After passing these tests, you should renew your driving license every 4 to 8 years, depending on the state. All of this is thought to guarantee all drivers’ safety and prevent accidents.
What’s more, a driving license is also an identity document and in the U.S. is used for travelling within the country, proving their age at restaurants or bars, and confirming their identity in emergencies. Now, Maryland wants this document to protect people with hidden disabilities.
The butterfly in Maryland driving licenses
The state of Maryland will add a butterfly on their driving licenses of people with hidden disabilities like autism. This symbol will help police officers and emergency workers, letting them know that the person may have a condition that affects how they communicate or react.
Not all disabilities are visible, sometimes someone may seem completely normal, but they suffer from a condition that makes them feel anxious or behave in a way that could be misunderstood. So, the butterfly will allow officers to act with empathy and patience, making sure everyone is safe.
The origin of the butterfly
This measure is known as Senate Bill 618 or ‘’Eric’s ID Law’’, in honour of Eric Carpenter-Grantham who was an autistic young man of 20 years old from Montgomery (Maryland).
Eric and his mother were worried about how officers would react to someone with a hidden disability. They feared that officers could misunderstand typical behaviors of autism as signs of disobedience, like avoiding eye contact or answering very nervously.
This is why Eric proposed the creation of a sign on driving licenses to warn in a discrete way about a disability. He even designed a model of a driving license with a butterfly, which represents a development or intellectual disability. His wish is that Maryland uses his official design in future driving licenses.
Maryland officials
Officials from Maryland have supported Eric and his mother’s initiative. Senator William C. Smith Jr., also from Montgomery, highlighted that this measure was directly born from a common citizen and it became a law that will benefit many people.
Safer and more compassionate roads
Eric’s ID Law is part of Maryland efforts to make roads safer and more solidary. The butterfly may seem like a small detail, but its meaning is huge. Thanks to this measure, Maryland proves that even the most simple changes can have a huge impact on people’s lives. Basically, the butterfly is a symbol for safety, comprehension, respect, and hope. Do you think this butterfly is a good decision to promote inclusion on the road?