A Silver Alert on a highway is a public warning used to help find a missing older adult , often someone with dementia or another cognitive impairment, especially when they may be driving and vehicle details are known. Highway signs may flash the alert so motorists can look for the person or car and call 911 if seen.

What it means

  • It is similar in purpose to an Amber Alert, but for missing seniors or vulnerable adults.
  • The alert usually includes the vehicle make, model, color, and license plate when available.
  • It may appear on electronic highway signs , radio, and 511 systems, depending on the state.

What you should do

  • Do not try to stop the car yourself.
  • Call 911 if you safely spot the person or vehicle.
  • Share the location, direction of travel, and plate number if you can do so safely.

If you want, I can also explain how Silver Alerts differ from Amber Alerts and Blue Alerts.