Determinants of Traffic Fatalities in the U.S.
Location
CSU 253/4
Start Date
21-4-2008 8:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2008 10:00 AM
Student's Major
Economics
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Kwang Woo (Ken) Park
Mentor's Department
Economics
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
This paper investigated the determinants of motor vehicle fatalities in each of the 50 states in the U.S., and the District of Columbia. Using a panel data set from 1994 to 2005, we analyzed how safety belt laws, speed control, alcohol usage, traffic violation fines, driving conditions and annual vehicle-miles of travel (VMT), affect the incidence of traffic fatalities. Econometric models were developed and the estimates were obtained from a general-to-specific specification search based upon all the diagnostic tests in order to increase the probability of selecting models which are statistically reliable. The empirical results show that number of drivers and vehicles, VMT, speed, and traffic violation fines are statistically significant, whereas safety belt usage and state alcohol policies do not show any significant support for reducing traffic fatalities.
Determinants of Traffic Fatalities in the U.S.
CSU 253/4
This paper investigated the determinants of motor vehicle fatalities in each of the 50 states in the U.S., and the District of Columbia. Using a panel data set from 1994 to 2005, we analyzed how safety belt laws, speed control, alcohol usage, traffic violation fines, driving conditions and annual vehicle-miles of travel (VMT), affect the incidence of traffic fatalities. Econometric models were developed and the estimates were obtained from a general-to-specific specification search based upon all the diagnostic tests in order to increase the probability of selecting models which are statistically reliable. The empirical results show that number of drivers and vehicles, VMT, speed, and traffic violation fines are statistically significant, whereas safety belt usage and state alcohol policies do not show any significant support for reducing traffic fatalities.
Recommended Citation
Stapleton, Hanna. "Determinants of Traffic Fatalities in the U.S.." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2008.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2008/oral-session-03/4
