Seat Belt, DWI, and Other Traffic Violations among Recent Immigrants in Florida and Tennessee [Traffic Tech]

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15258522013PDFBriefUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesFloridaTennesseeDOT HS 811 762The rapidly changing racial and ethnic composition of the U.S. population is important to traffic safety specialists because involvement in fatal traffic crashes varies across racial and ethnic groups. Some research suggests that certain minority groups may be over-represented in motor vehicle crashes because recent immigrants may lack an understanding of traffic laws and regulations, especially among less acculturated immigrants coming from countries where traffic laws are not well enforced. Other research suggests just the opposite: that as immigrants become more acculturated, they may be at greater risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examined all 50 States to identify those whose traffic safety databases contain residency status. Of the four States identified, driver history databases in Florida and Tennessee were analyzed for four traffic safety violations\u2014seat belt non-use, DWI, speeding, and failure to obey traffic signals or signs\u2014for drivers of different immigrant status. This analysis provides objective information about certain traffic safety behaviors and violations among recent and long-time immigrants.129