Effects of State Laws to Reduce Auto Fatalities

This report uses state-level data from the 1985 through 2000 Fatality Analysis Reporting System to examine the effects of changes in state laws dealing with seatbelt use, speed limits, driving while intoxicated (DUI), and license renewal on fatalities among drivers and others aged 65 and over. Negative binomial regressions are estimated using state and year fixed effects. The results indicate that seat belt laws, particularly with primary enforcement, have been effective in reducing fatalities. There is no evidence that DUI laws have had an effect. The results also suggest that strengthening license renewal provisions for older drivers may have been effective.

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