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Public policies and motorcycle safety

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  • French, Michael T.
  • Gumus, Gulcin
  • Homer, Jenny F.

Abstract

Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of alcohol and traffic policies in reducing automobile crashes and fatalities, but only a few have analyzed the impact of state-specific policies on motorcycle safety. Given the growing popularity and inherent safety risks of motorcycle riding, this study provides a comprehensive investigation of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. State-level longitudinal data from 1990 to 2005 are analyzed to determine how various alcohol and traffic policies impact motorcycle safety and whether there are differential effects by type of injury. The results consistently show that universal helmet laws have the most significant effect on both non-fatal and fatal injuries. Mandatory rider education programs and speed limits on rural interstates significantly impact non-fatal injuries.

Suggested Citation

  • French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin & Homer, Jenny F., 2009. "Public policies and motorcycle safety," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 831-838, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:28:y:2009:i:4:p:831-838
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dee, Thomas S., 2009. "Motorcycle helmets and traffic safety," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 398-412, March.
    2. Lauren E. Jones & Nicolas R. Ziebarth, 2017. "U.S. Child Safety Seat Laws: Are they Effective, and Who Complies?," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 36(3), pages 584-607, June.
    3. Rinaldo Brau & Marco Nieddu & S. Balia, 2021. "Depowering Risk: Vehicle Power Restriction and Teen Driver Accidents in Italy," Working Paper CRENoS 202101, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.
    4. French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin, 2018. "Watch for motorcycles! The effects of texting and handheld bans on motorcyclist fatalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 81-87.
    5. French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin & Homer, Jenny F., 2012. "Motorcycle fatalities among out-of-state riders and the role of universal helmet laws," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(10), pages 1855-1863.
    6. Magdalena Blanco & José María Cabrera & Felipe Carozzi & Alejandro Cid, 2017. "Effects of Motorcycle Helmet Laws on Fatalities’ Prevention: An Impact Evaluation," Documentos de Trabajo/Working Papers 1706, Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales y Economia. Universidad de Montevideo..
    7. French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin, 2014. "Macroeconomic fluctuations and motorcycle fatalities in the U.S," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 187-193.
    8. Anderson, D. Mark & Rees, Daniel I., 2012. "Per Se Drugged Driving Laws and Traffic Fatalities," IZA Discussion Papers 7048, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    9. Grimm, Michael & Treibich, Carole, 2016. "Why do some motorbike riders wear a helmet and others don’t? Evidence from Delhi, India," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 318-336.
    10. Magdalena Blanco & José María Cabrera & Felipe Carozzi & Alejandro Cid, 2017. "Effects of Motorcycle Helmet Laws on Fatalities’ Prevention: An Impact Evaluation," Documentos de Trabajo/Working Papers 1706, Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales y Economia. Universidad de Montevideo..
    11. Fowles, Richard & Loeb, Peter D., 2016. "Sturdy Inference: A Bayesian Analysis of U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Laws," Journal of the Transportation Research Forum, Transportation Research Forum, vol. 55(3), December.
    12. Anderson, D. Mark & Rees, Daniel I., 2015. "Per se drugged driving laws and traffic fatalities," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 122-134.

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