Secretary of State Jesse White announced today the Emergency Contact Database surpassed 100,000 participants in less than three months since its unveiling on Aug. 18, 2009.

“While I am pleased with the response we have received thus far from the public, I encourage all Illinois residents who have not already done so to sign up,” said White.

“The Emergency Contact Database offers some added peace of mind that loved ones will be promptly contacted should one of their family members or friends suffer an injury that renders them unable to communicate to first responders.

My office will continue partnering with the law enforcement community, libraries and other organizations to help get the word out about enrolling in this important program.”

White’s office initiated the legislation (Public Act 95-0898) establishing the Emergency Contact Database to allow the public to voluntarily enter their emergency contact information through the Secretary of State’s Web site at cyberdriveillinois.com.

This information is then made available electronically to law enforcement statewide through LEADS (Law Enforcement Agencies Data System).

The voluntary database allows Illinois residents to enter information at cyberdriveillinois.com for up to two family members or friends, including addresses and phone numbers should it be necessary for law enforcement to reach them in case of an emergency.

All Illinois residents possessing an Illinois driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card qualify for the voluntary program. Residents may list anyone in the United States as emergency contacts.

Only law enforcement will be able to access the emergency contact information once it has been entered into the database.

White has launched additional outreach efforts aimed at motorcycle riders, the trucking industry and senior drivers by working with groups such as ABATE of Illinois, AARP and the Illinois Trucking Association.

White’s office continues to partner with members of the driver education community to educate teachers and parents of young drivers about the importance of registering their information.

Illinois is just the third state to establish an emergency contact database, joining Florida and Ohio. The legislation was sponsored by State Representative John D’Amico (D-Chicago) and State Senator Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forrest).