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A spatial and temporal analysis of seat-belt usage and seat-belt laws

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  • Majumdar, Arnab
  • Noland, Robert
  • Ochieng, Washington Y.

Abstract

Seat-belt usage has increased significantly in the US since the introduction of mandatory seat-belt usage laws in the 1980`s. This paper analyzes the impact of these laws on increasing seat-belt usage while controlling for other state-specific variables. Spatial analyses techniques are employed to further explain these effects. Spatial autocorrelation is found in the data but diminishes over time. Spatial correlation also exhibits a clear east-west direction. Results clearly show that both secondary and primary seat-belt laws have been effective at increasing seat-belt usage. In addition, our spatial analysis suggests that these effects cross state boundaries, implying an even larger level of effectiveness than direct measurement would suggest. Despite this some unexplained spatial correlation remains.

Suggested Citation

  • Majumdar, Arnab & Noland, Robert & Ochieng, Washington Y., 2002. "A spatial and temporal analysis of seat-belt usage and seat-belt laws," ERSA conference papers ersa02p072, European Regional Science Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa02p072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Singh, Harinder & Thayer, Mark, 1992. "Impact of Seat Belt Use on Driving Behavior," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 30(4), pages 649-658, October.
    2. Loeb, Peter D., 2001. "The effectiveness of seat belt legislation in reducing driver-involved injury rates in Maryland," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 37(4), pages 297-310, August.
    3. McCarthy, Patrick S., 1999. "Public policy and highway safety: a city-wide perspective," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 231-244, March.
    4. Evans, William N & Graham, John D, 1991. "Risk Reduction or Risk Compensation? The Case of Mandatory Safety-Belt Use Laws," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 4(1), pages 61-73, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. David J. Houston & Lilliard E. Richardson, Jr., 2006. "Reducing traffic fatalities in the American States by upgrading seat belt use laws to primary enforcement," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 25(3), pages 645-659.

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