Hispanic leaders grappling with higher DWI problem

RALEIGH (AP) -- Driving while intoxicated is a problem confronting Hispanics in North Carolina, where car accidents is the top killer and the number of alcohol-related wrecks are higher for Hispanics than other groups.

Statistics from the UNC Highway Safety Research Center show that in 2005 there were 37 alcohol-related crashes caused by Hispanics for every 10,000 Hispanics in North Carolina. That is more than three times the number for other groups.

Hispanic leaders say the problem is difficult to combat because young men leave their families and church to come to the United States for work, but are alone.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)