HIGHWAY SAFETY IN BLACK/AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITIES:
ISSUES AND STRATEGIES

Key Comparisons Between Focus Groups and
One-On-One Discussions

The following are key findings and comparisons of the focus groups and one-on-one discussions.

Major Traffic Safety Problems

There were significant differences in the way focus group participants and one-on-one participants ranked the major traffic safety problems affecting the Black communities in their respective counties. Across all focus groups, the majority of participants ranked drinking and driving as either the top, or one of the top, three problems. Aggressive driving and speeding were also given high priority.

The improper or non-use of child safety seats was the major problem listed in the one-on-one discussions. Contrary to the focus group findings, drinking and driving was rarely mentioned in the one-on-one discussions.

Trusted Messengers of Health and Safety Information

Focus group participants and participants in the one-on-one discussions differed on who they viewed as the most-trusted messengers of health and safety information in the Black community. While the majority of one-on-one participants in all counties listed elected and law enforcement officials as two of the most credible and trusted messengers, focus group participants reported just the opposite. Focus group participants reported that most in the Black community view politicians and law enforcement officials with suspicion and that they would be poor choices as spokespersons for a health and safety campaign.

However, similar to the focus group findings, the majority of one-on-one participants saw non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, churches and schools as trusted venues and effective at reaching the Black community with messages.

Perceptions About the Enforcement of Traffic Laws

As in the focus groups, the vast majority of participants in the one-on-one discussions reported racial profiling to be a major issue in the Black community. Similarly, both focus group and one-on-one participants said that Black males - particularly young Black males - are more likely to be victims of racial profiling than other groups.

Participants in both sets of research groups mentioned similar ways to eliminate racial profiling, such as increased diversity on police forces and more accountability for police officers.

Child Safety Seats

Participants in the one-on-one discussions consistently listed the improper use and nonuse of child safety seats as a problem within the Black community. In fact, respondents in several counties said they believed people were not knowledgeable about the guidelines and laws that govern the use of child safety seats and restraints.

In the focus groups, the majority of participants who regularly transport children reported consistent use of child safety seats. In fact, many admitted that they were more diligent about using restraints for their children than about using seat belts for themselves.