How Dangerous Are Drinking Drivers?
We present a methodology for measuring the risks posed by drinking drivers that relies solely on readily available data on fatal crashes. The key to our identification strategy is a hidden richness inherent in two-car crashes. Drivers with alcohol in their blood are seven times more likely to cause a fatal crash; legally drunk drivers pose a risk 13 times greater than sober drivers. The externality per mile driven by a drunk driver is at least 30 cents. At current enforcement rates the punishment per arrest for drunk driving that internalizes this externality would be equivalent to a fine of $8,000.
Year of publication: |
2001
|
---|---|
Authors: | Levitt, Steven D. ; Porter, Jack |
Published in: |
Journal of Political Economy. - University of Chicago Press. - Vol. 109.2001, 6, p. 1198-1237
|
Publisher: |
University of Chicago Press |
Saved in:
Online Resource
Saved in favorites
Similar items by person
-
Sample selection in the estimation of air bag and seat belt effectiveness
Levitt, Steven D., (2001)
-
How dangerous are drinking drivers?
Levitt, Steven D., (2001)
-
Estimating the effect of alcohol on driver risk using only fatal accident statistics
Levitt, Steven D., (1999)
- More ...