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Truck drivers and drugs: impact of mandatory drug testing on safety on Brazilian highways

Author

Listed:
  • Bruno M. Pegoraro

    (Brazilian House of Representatives)

  • Thiago Costa Monteiro Caldeira

    (Instituto Brasileiro de Ensino, Desenvolvimento e Pesquisa – IDP)

  • Silvio Rosa Paula

    (Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada - IPEA)

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of the mandatory drug test requirement for truck and bus drivers on traffic accidents on Brazilian highways from 2010 to 2020. Employing the difference-in-differences approach, the results reveal a significant reduction of 12.9% in accidents involving heavy vehicles on Brazilian highways. Although no statistically significant relationship was found with the mortality rate, the decline in accident rates underscores the significance of public policies aimed at enhancing traffic safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno M. Pegoraro & Thiago Costa Monteiro Caldeira & Silvio Rosa Paula, 2023. "Truck drivers and drugs: impact of mandatory drug testing on safety on Brazilian highways," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 43(3), pages 1493-1501.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-23-00140
    as

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    File URL: http://www.accessecon.com/Pubs/EB/2023/Volume43/EB-23-V43-I3-P128.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jacobson, Mireille, 2003. "Drug Testing in the Trucking Industry: The Effect on Highway Safety," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 46(1), pages 131-156, April.
    2. Callaway, Brantly & Sant’Anna, Pedro H.C., 2021. "Difference-in-Differences with multiple time periods," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 225(2), pages 200-230.
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    JEL classification:

    • R4 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General

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