Statistics from various agencies show that more Hispanic children die in vehicle accidents than whites and blacks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show car crashes are one of the leading causes of death in Hispanic and African-American communities, in part because seat-belt usage is sometimes poor and car seats for children and infants are improperly used.

1. Hispanic children are three times more likely to die in a vehicle crash than Caucasian children.

2. Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for African Americans under the age of 14 and the second leading cause of death between the ages of 15-34.

3. Not wearing seat belts is the main cause of accidental injury-related deaths for African Americans of all ages while motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Hispanics 1 to 44.

Source: Chronicle Telegram, by Hawke Fracassa, July 10, 2011.