Fatal and Nonfatal Motorcycle Injuries: Can Alcohol Policies Influence Rider Safety and Reduce Accidents?
- Presenter:
Chair: Jody L. Sindelar; Discussant: Willard Manning Mon June 5, 2006 15:30-17:00 Room 332
Numerous studies have established the effectiveness of alcohol policies (e.g., blood alcohol content for driving under the influence convictions, minimum legal drinking age, beverage taxes) in reducing rates for automobile accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Only a few studies have analyzed the impact of alcohol policies on motorcycle accidents and none within the past 5 years. Given the growing popularity of motorcycle riding among all age groups and the inherent safety risks, a new and comprehensive investigation is warranted. The present study uses state-level longitudinal data from 1994 to 2003 to determine whether a variety of different alcohol and motorcycle safety policies have a significant impact on both fatal and nonfatal motorcycle injuries. Besides state-level policies, the analysis controls for numerous demographic and environmental factors in each state through the estimation of state fixed-effects models. The results lead to direct policy recommendations for how states can reduce motorcycle injuries and enhance overall motorcycle safety.
