Multicultural Outreach

What You Should Know about African Americans and Safety Belts

Recent research demonstrates that minorities are over-represented in motor vehicle crashes.
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.
In 2000, the seat belt use rate among African Americans was five percentage points lower than that for whites.
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

Safety belt use among African Americans registered a major gain between 2000 and 2002, increasing to 77 percent, an 8 percentage point increase since 2000.

What You Should Know about Hispanics and Safety Belts

For Hispanics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for ages 1-34.
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

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.
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.

Central Region Efforts

Diversity Program

Central Region has a diversity contract to provide resources and educational programs to the Central Region states. The Diversity contractor is available to assist with the development of a diversity plan and/or programs for your business, organization or local community. Please contact Central Region at 816-329-3900 for more information.

Minority Leadership Luncheon
Kansas City, Missouri

The second Minority Leadership Luncheon.

The second Minority Leadership Luncheon was held on April 25, 2003 at the Kansas City Marriott hotel. Approximately 90 leaders from the African American and Hispanic communities in Kansas and Missouri attended. Speakers provided important information about safety belts and encouraged attendees to promote the use of safety belts and child safety seats. Minority leaders in attendance were encouraged to educate local community individuals and groups about the important safety information aimed at reducing injuries from traffic crashes. Packets with reproducible information were provided to each participant. Attendees were encouraged to utilize the packet in their local organizations. Handouts were translated to Spanish for use with Hispanic organizations. The meeting was designed to provide an overview about the Central Region Mobilization efforts. Speakers for the event included:

Moderator Speaker

Romell Cooks, Central Region Administrator
Councilman Alvin Brooks, Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem
Pastor Joe Garza, Armourdale Baptist Church
Captain Randall Hundley, Kansas City, Missouri Police Dept.
Dr. David Lisbon, M.D., Independence Trauma Center
Ms. Rita Valenciano, Hispanic Community Organization
Rev. Modest Miles, Morningstar Baptist Church
Ms. Barbara Ashby, Jack and Jill Organization
Ms. Denise Dameron, Community Advocate

Neil Smith Buckle Up America 5K Run/Walk
Kansas City, Missouri

Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D., NHTSA Administrator, presenting Neil Smith with the NHTSA 2003 'People Saving People' Award.

Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D., NHTSA Administrator, presenting Neil Smith with the NHTSA 2003 "People Saving People" Award.

On Saturday, May 17, 2003 approximately 250 people gathered at Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City to participate in the second annual Neil Smith Buckle Up America 5K Run/Walk. The annual event is held in honor of Neil Smith's best friend, Derrick Thomas and his nephew, Gary Dameron, Jr. who were both killed in car crashes in 1999-2000. Both men were unbelted and thrown from their vehicles. In an effort to spread the word about the importance of safety belts, Neil, his wife Sheri, and sister-in-law Denise Dameron organized the event with the support of NHTSA Central Region and 19 sponsoring organizations. Proceeds from the event benefited the Truman Medical Center Injury Prevention Program.

A live radio remote by KMJK added to the excitement of the annual Neil Smith Run. The Kansas City Cobras, a premier marching band, provided entertainment for the participants. Organizers hope to duplicate the Kansas City effort across the country.

Sponsoring organizations were: Truman Medical Centers, Missouri Gas Energy, KMJK Radio, Copelands, Gates BBQ, Farmers' Insurance Group, James' Lemonade, Lamar's Donut, All Season Party Rental, Hyatt Regency, Westin Crown Center, Mom 2 Mom, Belfonte Dairy, McCormick & Schmidt, Longview Apple Market, Panera Bread, Kansas City Chiefs, Covenant Financial and, James C. Lebow, DDS.

Safe Communities

Safe Communities groups are encouraged to reach out to diverse members of their community. Here are some ideas.

Plaster Buckle Up America posters all over your school, office, church fellowship hall, or other appropriate place.

Include a newsletter article in your organizations' newsletter or church bulletin.

Schedule a Grand Rounds presentation on safety belt use at your hospital, medical center, health department, or health plan.

Conduct a wellness promotion program for your managed care plan members and employees focused on safety belts and child restraints.

Contact school and community-based youth organizations to identify opportunities for you to become engaged in their activities to reduce motor vehicle injuries among youth.

Write a letter to the editor or prepare an Op-Ed piece for the newspaper.

Write a safety belt prescription for your patients.

Have your Sunday school class or your youth group conduct a safety belt campaign at your church. Conduct pre and post safety belt surveys and hold a picnic to celebrate your success.

Post "Buckle Up" signs at the exits to your parking lots.

Diversity Resources and Publications List

State and Regional Diversity Outreach: Highlight Report - September 2001
(PDF Version)
African American Yearbook - http://www.africanamericanyearbook.com