Traffic law knowledge disparity between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites in California.
BACKGROUND
The Hispanic population is one group that is involved in a disproportionately high percentage of fatal motor vehicle collisions in the United States.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigated demographic factors contributing to a lack of knowledge and awareness of traffic laws among Hispanic drivers involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in southern California.


METHODS
The cross-sectional study enrolled adults (n = 190) involved in MVCs presenting to a Level I trauma center in southern California over a 7-month period. Subjects completed a survey about California traffic law knowledge (TLK) consisting of eight multiple-choice questions. The mean number of questions answered correctly was compared between groups defined by demographic data.


RESULTS
The mean number of TLK questions answered correctly by Hispanic and non-Hispanic white groups were significantly different at 4.13 and 4.62, respectively (p = 0.005; 95% confidence interval -0.83 to -0.15). Scores were significantly lower in subjects who were not fluent in English, had less than a high school education, did not possess a current driver's license, and received their TLK from sources other than a driver's education class or Department of Motor Vehicle materials. Analysis of variance showed that the source of knowledge was the strongest predictor of accurate TLK.


CONCLUSIONS
Source of TLK is a major contributing factor to poor TLK in Hispanics. An emphasis on culturally specific traffic law education is needed.
Anderson
Kenton L
KL
Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Patel
Chirag V
CV
Vaca
Federico
F
Anderson
Craig L
CL
Mendoza
Rosemarie
R
Barton
Renee L
RL
Lekawa
Michael E
ME
Hoonpongsimanont
Wirachin
W
Lotfipour
Shahram
S
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002140:California; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D044465:White People