NHTSA Region 5


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Regional U.S. DOT Contacts | Traffic Safety Digest (Multicultural Outreach)


Program Areas
Impaired Driving
Child Passenger Safety
Multicultural Outreach
Occupant Protection
Older Drivers
Pedestrian/Bicycles
Safe Communities
Youth
Regional Highlights

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Multicultural Outreach

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for African-Americans and Hispanics. They are the leading cause of death for African-Americans through the age of 14 and the second leading cause of death between the ages of 15 and 24, surpassed only by homicides. For Hispanics, they are the leading cause of death for ages 1 through 44. A recent study examined motor vehicle fatality exposure rates and found that, although African-American and Hispanic male teens travel fewer vehicle miles than their white counterparts, they are nearly twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle crash.

To address these traffic safety issues, each of the states in Region V has developed programs and resources, and participates in activities that help reach the diverse populations in their states. Regional resources are also available and include:

  • A wide variety of traffic safety materials including videos, brochures, information sheets and other publications. Materials are designed for children, teens, adults, parents, and seniors and are used by consumers, schools, organizations, associations, and other groups that work with ethnic populations. Some materials are produced in Spanish and other languages. These free resources can be obtained through the NHTSA catalog or web site. You can also obtain additional information by calling Michael Roper or Elena Gardea at 708-503-8892.

  • Working with and providing traffic safety resource information and assistance to ethnic and cultural associations, social and political organizations, medical and health clinics, social workers, churches, local and state government agencies, law enforcement, and other groups that work on safety issues as well as to organizations that provide services to ethnic populations.

  • Child passenger safety training resources and information for non-English speakers.

  • Grants to state and non-profit agencies to educate diverse populations on traffic safety issues.

Diversity Publications

Diversity Resources

For assistance with multicultural resources and information, contact Elena Gardea or Michael Roper at 708-503-8892 or egardea@nhtsa.dot.gov or mroper@nhtsa.dot.gov. To learn about activities at the state level within Great Lakes Region, visit the state highway safety offices listed below.

Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin