At the national level there are racial disparities in the rate of fatalities from motor vehicles. In New Jersey, the age-adjusted motor vehicle-related mortality rate (per 100,000 population) was 12.6 for blacks and 9.5 for whites in 1997. A federal response to this gap has been the initiation of a campaign to increase seatbelt use among blacks, yet some have argued that excess black mortality from motor vehicle incidents is largely attributable to fatal injuries incurred by pedestrians (New York Times, January 19, 2001). This study attempts to decompose the gap between black and white motor vehicle incident fatality rates in New Jersey into its various components and determine the relative role played by incidents occurring to pedestrians, drivers, and passengers. The significance of seatbelt wearing is assessed by using accident reports in combination with the New Jersey Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (NJBRFSS) data on self-reported seatbelt use. Simple simulation techniques will provide insight into the effect of increased seatbelt use on the race-specific rate of fatal motor vehicle incidents. The effect of racial differences in residential patterns will also be assessed. Policy implications are discussed.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Motor Vehicles, Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.