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![Multicultural Outreach logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509171659im_/http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/whatis/regions/archive/images/diversity.gif)
Multicultural Outreach
What You Should Know about African Americans and Safety Belts
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Recent research demonstrates that minorities are over-represented in motor vehicle crashes.
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Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for African Americans through the
age of 14. They are the second leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages
of 15 and 24, surpassed only by homicides.
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In 2000, the seat belt use rate among African Americans was five percentage points lower
than that for whites.
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A recent survey showed that 42 percent of minority children (of which African Americans
were a part) were at greater risk of air bag related injuries because they were more frequently
placed in the front seat of vehicles with passenger-side air bags. By contrast, 15 percent of white
children were improperly placed in the front seat of these vehicles.
Good News
What You Should Know about Hispanics and Safety Belts
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For Hispanics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for ages 1-34.
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A recent study examined motor vehicle fatality exposure rates and found that, although
African American and Hispanic male teenagers travel fewer vehicle miles than their white counterparts,
they are nearly twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle crash.
Differential Enforcement
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The issue of a law enforcement officer stopping a citizen based purely on race or ethnicity,
known as differential enforcement or "racial profiling," has recently become an issue in traffic
safety.
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While NHTSA supports the enactment of primary seat belt laws among the States, NHTSA strongly
opposes any form of enforcement that uses race or ethnicity as a criterion for stopping
a motorist. NHTSA continues to work with the Department of Justice to develop
and promote best practices for conducting fair, professional traffic stops.
NHTSA also continues to work with its State and community public safety partners
to ensure that traffic stops are made for legitimate law violations. NHTSA
encourages law enforcement agencies to adopt policies, management practices,
training, and community outreach efforts to eliminate differential enforcement.
Region X
Aggressive outreach to the diverse populations living in Region X is a priority for the
Regional Office. For example, child safety seat fitting stations that offer non-English
speaking technicians are available at no cost to residents of Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
In Alaska, efforts to reach the Yupik-speaking native population is underway as part of the
impaired driving program. Cooperation with Jack and Jill chapters throughout the region ensures
that traffic safety programs are reaching the African-American community.
Diversity Resources and Publications List
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