Traffic Safety Digest - Spring 2002
MARYLAND
Diversity in Traffic Safety Task Force

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
Innovative Partnership
PROGRAM AREA(S)
Multicultural Outreach
TYPE OF JURISDICTION
State
 
TARGETED POPULATION
General Population
JURISDICTION SIZE
5,300,000


PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

The Maryland Office of Highway Safety saw the need to address diversity issues related to highway traffic safety. The Free State has a population of 5.3 million people, of which 28 percent are African American, four percent are Hispanic, and four percent are Asian. Historically, much of the State's emphasis on diversity has been directed at the large African American populations in Baltimore City and Prince George's County. Although ethnic diversity is an important issue, Maryland believes ethnicity is not the only form of diversity. On August 7, 2001 the Diversity in Traffic Safety Task Force kicked off. The task force focused on areas that include but are not limited to ethnicity (language and cultural barriers), age (young drivers, older drivers, and alternate forms of transportation for seniors), education level, and physical ability (handicap accessibility).

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals of the Office of Highway Safety were to:

  • Create and provide diverse educational tools and programs to be implemented within the state;

  • Establish a Diversity in Traffic Safety Program and appoint a program coordinator; and

  • Identify existing programs, organizations, and political/civic/grass roots individuals to get involved in the Task Force.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

During the planning stages for the first Task Force meeting, the following activities took place:

  • An invitation explaining the purpose of the Task Force and requesting participation was sent to targeted individuals and groups.

  • A group of dignitaries were selected based on their geographic locations, ensuring good representation from all parts of the state.

  • Community Traffic Safety Coordinators (there are 24 coordinators, one in each county) identified grass roots and local organizations to invite.

Individuals from a wide range of organizations and businesses came together, collaborated and shared a variety of interests in an effort to develop and promote a statewide diversity program. In the afternoon, there were five breakout sessions that focused on Impaired Drivers, Occupant Protection, Older Drivers, Pedestrian Safety, and Young Drivers. This breakout process emphasized inclusiveness by allowing participants to choose which program area would best fit their interests.

RESULTS

As a result of the first meeting, the Occupant Protection group was tasked to present findings at the next meeting. Community assessments were used on a cross section of ages and income levels in an African American community in Baltimore City, a Hispanic community on the Eastern Shore, and a growing Russian neighborhood in Baltimore County. The assessment surveyed attitudes regarding seat belt and child safety seat use. The assessment results are being evaluated to in order to determine the programs and educational materials needed for those communities. The remaining breakout groups will continue using the same community assessment tool for future evaluation.

 

FUNDING
Sections 405a, 410, 157: $350,000 (budgeted) 
CONTACT
Lolita Stewart
Diversity Program Coord.
MD State Hwy Office
State Hwy Admin
7491 Connelly Dr.
Hanover, MD 21076
(410) 787-4078



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

   SPRING 2002     

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