The influence of state monopoly of alcohol distribution and the frequency of package stores on single motor vehicle fatalities.

Abstract

Two elements of alcohol availability, the frequency of packaged-liquor outlets and state monopoly of distribution, were assessed in terms of their impact on fatal single motor vehicle accidents. A cross-sectional analysis of the United States employed a multiple regression analysis which statistically controlled for average mileage driven, the degree of urbanization, and the proportion of male drivers. State monopoly of distribution was not associated with single vehicle fatalities while a significant and positive association was obtained for the frequency of outlets. A point of diminishing returns in single vehicle fatalities was found when the outlet density was less than one outlet per million of the drinking age population. This reversal of the relationship appears to reflect the additional driving required to make purchases in areas where outlets are sparse. The social policy implications of the findings are discussed.