Another contributing factor not mentioned in the article are those driving illegally. Nor are the victims of them driving illegally/drunk.

Last Updated: 2 April 2008


E-mail this article Printable version


Traffic safety project aims to help Hispanics

By MarÃ*a González-Escareño
Madrina-Padrino Project coordinator Lizette Villarreal


LAREDO, April 2—A 2002 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration study showed Hispanics are at a high risk of being involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident.


The study showed that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Hispanics between the ages of 1 and 44. Hispanic children ages 5 to 12 are at a higher risk, while 72 percent are more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than non-Hispanic children. The study also found that Hispanics are more likely to die in a crash involving alcohol than non-Hispanic white drivers.


With the purpose of reducing these numbers, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Office of Border Affairs in Laredo announced the implementation of the Madrina-Padrino Traffic Safety Project in Webb County. Project partners and county officials convened at a news conference at the Laredo Campus Extension of The University of Texas health Science Center at San Antonio.


The Madrina-Padrino project is funded by the Texas Department of Transportation. It is also implemented in San Antonio and will eventually encompass El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley.


Jaime Arizpe, Office of Border Affairs, has identified the groups in Webb County who will benefit from traffic safety information. Information on drinking and impaired driving, safety belt use, and child passenger safety comprises the project's curriculum.


“I am very excited of taking this project into the colonia areas. I partner with 14 state partners and other community-based organizations to promote health and human services in colonia areas,â€