American Economic Journal:
Economic Policy
ISSN 1945-7731 (Print) | ISSN 1945-774X (Online)
Shaping the Habits of Teen Drivers
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
vol. 16,
no. 3, August 2024
(pp. 367–93)
Abstract
We show that a targeted law can modify teens' risky behavior. We examine the effects of an Australian intervention banning first-year drivers from driving late at night with multiple peers, which had accounted for one-fifth of their traffic fatalities. Using data on individual drivers linked to crash outcomes, we find the reform more than halves targeted crashes, casualties and deaths. There are large positive spillovers through lower crashes earlier in the evening and beyond the first year, suggesting broad and persistent declines in high-risk driving. Overall, the targeted intervention delivers gains comparable to harsher restrictions that delay teen driving.Citation
Moore, Timothy J., and Todd Morris. 2024. "Shaping the Habits of Teen Drivers." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 16 (3): 367–93. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220403Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
- K32 Environmental, Energy, Health, and Safety Law
- R41 Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
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