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CDOT to host wrestling event for seatbelt campaign
Contributed by: Heather Halpape, CDOT on 7/23/2008

DENVER, CO - Seventy percent of Hispanic drivers and passengers killed in Colorado last year were men who did not use their seat belts. In response to this alarming statistic, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is launching a campaign to reach Hispanic males during local lucha libre matches across metro Denver.

Lucha libre, a Spanish phrase loosely translated into English as "free-style fighting," was chosen as the campaign theme because it represents a genre of professional wrestling in Mexico that is a strong part of the Hispanic culture and is very well recognized. The Cita Con La Vida Community Tour features live matches across the Denver metro area with local lucha libre wrestlers called "luchadores." Actors from El Centro Su Teatro will perform skits during the shows to highlight the importance of seat belt safety.

"The Hispanic population in Colorado is growing. Tragically, this growth is also seen in the higher numbers of Hispanic deaths and serious injuries on our highways," said Pam Hutton, CDOT Governor's Representative for Highway Safety. "We are responding to this change by launching Cita Con La Vida to address the cultural differences that may lead to these higher numbers. We believe that increasing awareness among the Hispanic community will result in greater seat belt use and save lives."

The principal event will be held Sunday, July 27 at the National Western Complex and will feature professional luchadores from Mexico including Felino, Pierrothito, Tsuki, Pequeña Violencia, Rocky Star, Joker, Coco Negro, Confusión y Fuerza Chicana and Cinta de Oro. Tickets can be purchased at any Azteca Ranch Market, Tacos y Salsas restaurants and Cinema Latino in Aurora. A portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase car seats for disadvantaged Hispanic families throughout the metro area. For more information about the tour, visit www.citaconlavida2008.org.

Hispanics currently make up over 15 percent of the U.S. population and are projected to comprise over 25 percent by the year 2050. According to recent Census statistics, 35 percent of the population of Denver and 20 percent of Colorado's population are Hispanic. This population is expected to grow by 21 percent by 2010.

Unfortunately, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Hispanics from 1 to 34 years of age, and are the sixth leading cause of death for Hispanics of all ages. In addition, the death rate from motor vehicle crashes for Hispanic children between ages 5 and 12 is 72 percent greater than for non-Hispanic Anglo children.


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