Abstract
Annual state data on auto fatality rates for an 8-year period (1970-77) are examined to study the influence the magnitude of change in a state's minimum legal drinking age (mlda) has on teenage auto fatality rates. Factors taken into account include: the average auto fatality rate prior to the change; the year-to-year variability in this rate; the precise nature of the legal change; and minimum drinking age laws in contiguous states. During the 8-year period there were 20 instances in which a state reduced its mlda and one instance in which the mlda was increased. The principal finding is that a reduction in the mlda from 21 to 18 years of age for all alcoholic beverage types will result in an increase in the auto fatality rate for 18-to 20-year-olds of about 7 percent, and a somewhat smaller increase for 16-to 17-year-olds. It is estimated that the national 18-to 20-year-old auto fatality rate was about 3 percent higher in the mid-1970s than it would have been if minimum age laws had not been amended between 1970 and 1975. This information can serve as one useful input into the policy decision concerning the appropriate minimum drinking age. (Author/TRRL)
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
