ktkbs
Mar 13th, 2008, 03:31 AM
Everyone has heard the stereotype; so-called Asians are supposedly the worst drivers in America. But is this true? Some will say, yes and some will say there are bad drivers in every group. Lets examine the statistics (compiled by CDC, NHCS, and NHTSA)
http://www.watchtheroad.org/809956.pdf
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/alcohol/Archive/ethnicity/ethnicity.html
Table 1. MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES AS A CAUSE OF DEATH
Age-adjusted death rates
Caucasian American*
Males 21.7
Females 9.8
African American
Males 24.3
Females 9.4
Native American
Males 42.6
Females 31.5
Asian-Pacific Islander Americans
Males 12.7
Females 7.6
Hispanic American
Males 24.2
Females 8.1
Turns out, Asian Americans are the least likely to die in a motor vehicle related fatality. Upon further inspection, it is shown that a large bulk of fatalities involving API are non-driver deaths; i.e pedestrians and passengers.
When you include age-adjusted rates and especially deaths per billion miles traveled, the Asian rate is even lower. The verdict? You are much less likely to die around Asian drivers (passenger or pedestrian) than whites, blacks, or Hispanics. An Asian driver is much less likely to get into, or cause, a traffic accident.
It is also shown that API are less likely to drink while driving, and are more likely to be properly restrained.
The reason why this data is important is because it sheds light on a harmful stereotype. The notion that Asians are bad drivers predisposes Asian drivers to unfair treatment on the road, which is a major flashpoint and source of conflict between individuals.
It also shows how popular opinion and media representations can warp the public's perception of the truth so drastically that the absolute best drivers are perceived as the worst.
Keep driving safe. ;)
p.s please repost this on other forums you go to.
http://www.watchtheroad.org/809956.pdf
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/alcohol/Archive/ethnicity/ethnicity.html
Table 1. MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES AS A CAUSE OF DEATH
Age-adjusted death rates
Caucasian American*
Males 21.7
Females 9.8
African American
Males 24.3
Females 9.4
Native American
Males 42.6
Females 31.5
Asian-Pacific Islander Americans
Males 12.7
Females 7.6
Hispanic American
Males 24.2
Females 8.1
Turns out, Asian Americans are the least likely to die in a motor vehicle related fatality. Upon further inspection, it is shown that a large bulk of fatalities involving API are non-driver deaths; i.e pedestrians and passengers.
When you include age-adjusted rates and especially deaths per billion miles traveled, the Asian rate is even lower. The verdict? You are much less likely to die around Asian drivers (passenger or pedestrian) than whites, blacks, or Hispanics. An Asian driver is much less likely to get into, or cause, a traffic accident.
It is also shown that API are less likely to drink while driving, and are more likely to be properly restrained.
The reason why this data is important is because it sheds light on a harmful stereotype. The notion that Asians are bad drivers predisposes Asian drivers to unfair treatment on the road, which is a major flashpoint and source of conflict between individuals.
It also shows how popular opinion and media representations can warp the public's perception of the truth so drastically that the absolute best drivers are perceived as the worst.
Keep driving safe. ;)
p.s please repost this on other forums you go to.