title: Driving while black: a comparison of the beliefs, concerns, and behaviors of black and white Maryland drivers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that given the changing demographics of the United States it is important to examine motor vehicle statistics by race and ethnicity. The current study sought to explore differences in traffic safety concerns and driving behaviors between black and white drivers.
  
  
  METHODS
  An annual, anonymous, random-digit-dial telephone survey was used to collect data between 2003 and 2009 from Maryland drivers. Drivers (N = 5503) were assessed regarding their driving behaviors and perceived risk of receiving a traffic violation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that black drivers perceived a greater likelihood of being stopped for driving under the influence (DUI), for not wearing a seat belt and for speeding than white drivers. These differences were found among drivers with or without a history of being ticketed. Black drivers were also more likely to report a variety of risky driving behaviors than white drivers. However, black drivers were not more likely to report receiving a ticket or citation in the last month after controlling for demographic factors, risky driving behaviors, and geographic region of the state, where traffic enforcement may vary.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicate that black drivers are not more likely to be ticketed, despite perceptual biases that may exist among some drivers. These differences appear to be explained by demographic as well as regional factors. These results highlight the need for more research to understand the potential differences in driving behaviors between racial and ethnic groups. More research is also needed to develop countermeasures for racial and ethnic groups most at risk for motor vehicle violations and crashes.
authors: University of Maryland, School of Public Health, Behavioral and Community Health, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA. kdebnam@umd.edu
authors: Katrina J
authors: KJ
authors: Debnam
authors: Kenneth H
authors: KH
authors: Beck
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland / Q000208:ethnology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011639:Public Opinion; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult