Holders of Maryland driver's licenses can now list on their driving records the names of people to be contacted in the case of an emergency under a program launched this week by the Motor Vehicle Administration.

The MVA has established a voluntary Emergency Contact Information Registry under which Marylanders can store information with their electronic driving records on who law enforcement officials should get in touch with in the event of a traffic crash or similar emergency. Holders of state driving licenses or identification cards can list up top three persons to be notified.

Emergency contacct information can be submitted online at www.mva.maryland.gov or at kiosks at MVA offices. According to the MVA, the information will be available only to law enforcement.

According to the MVA, the idea for the program was advanced in legislation sponsored by Del. Gail Bates and former Sen. Sandy Schrader, both Howard County Republicans. The legislation did not pass the General Assembly but was eventually adopted by the agency.

The MVA said the need for the registry was underscored by cases such as that of Karen Knight, whose son Andrew was killed in a crash that left his wife incapacitated. Because she was listed as next of kin, his parents did not learn of the fatality until 10 hours later through a voice mail message.