Speeding While Black?: Assessing the Generalizability of Lange et al.'s (2001, 2005) New Jersey Turnpike Speeding Survey Findings

• NCJ Number: 228158
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 504-527
• Author(s): Richard J. Lundman; Brian R. Kowalski
• Date Published: September 2009
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Utilizing data reported by the Massachusetts State Police in 2001, this study assessed the generalizability of research findings reported in 2001 in which African-American drivers were found more likely to speed at high rates of speed as were young drivers and male drivers.

Abstract

The results of the study indicate that Lange, Blackman, Johnson, and Voas's findings were generalizable, although there was modest variation by speed zone. As did Lange et al. (2001, 2005), this study found that high rate speeding in 55 mph speed zones was significantly more likely to be the work of the young and that there was no difference between African-American and White drivers. Unlike Lange et al. (2001, 2005), it was found that men were significantly more likely to be the speeders in 55 mph speed zones than women. In the 65 mph zones, the findings were nearly identical to those of Lange et al. (2001, 2005). The findings confirm those of Lange and colleagues, and the results were entirely consistent with theory and research on the correlates of law violative actions. Across 3 months during 2001, Lange, Blackman, Johnson, and Voas collected data from the New Jersey Turnpike to determine whether there were differences in speeding behavior grounded in race and ethnicity, while controlling for age and gender. Results indicated the African-American drivers were more likely to speed at high rates (15 mph or more over the speed limit) in 65 mph speed zones, as were young drivers and male drivers. The research concluded a plausible explanation for the findings that African-American drivers were represented among traffic stops at a higher rate than they represented in the population. This study assessed the generalizability of these findings reported by Lange et al. (2001, 2005) through an examination of Massachusetts State Police reported stops for high rate speeding in 55 mph speed zones and 65 mph speed zones during April and May of 2001. The study examined all stops, day stops, and night stops and ran multiple additional analyses. Tables and references