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Not a Sip: Effects of Zero Tolerance Laws on Road Traffic Fatalities

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  • Andres Ramasco

Abstract

A substantial proportion of alcohol related fatalities and their consequences are preventable, prompting policymakers to implement measures aimed at reducing these deaths. I exploit time and geographic variation in the adoption of zero‐tolerance laws in a difference‐in‐differences design to study the impact of these regulations on traffic‐related incidents. Using county‐level data, I find no sizable reductions in fatalities and an increase in injury counts after the adoption of such laws. I do not find significant changes in several measures of alcohol consumption, consistent with the lack of reduction in driving fatalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Andres Ramasco, 2026. "Not a Sip: Effects of Zero Tolerance Laws on Road Traffic Fatalities," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(2), pages 377-393, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:35:y:2026:i:2:p:377-393
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.70056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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