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Traffic safety and norms of compliance with rules: An exploratory study

Author

Listed:
  • Helene Laurent

    (University of Namur)

  • Marc Sangnier
  • Carole Treibich

Abstract

We use a simple model of drivers’ vigilance effort choice to show that drivers’ propensity to follow traffic rules has two opposite effects on road safety. On the one hand, it lowers the frequency of dangerous situations. On the other hand, it also reduces drivers’ vigilance effort as each driver anticipates that dangerous situations will be less frequent. These two opposite effects may lead to a non-monotonic relationship between compliance with road rules and the incidence of road traffic accidents. We present cross-country estimates that support the existence of a bellshaped relationship between norms of compliance with rules and traffic fatalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Helene Laurent & Marc Sangnier & Carole Treibich, 2021. "Traffic safety and norms of compliance with rules: An exploratory study," DeFiPP Working Papers 2103, University of Namur, Development Finance and Public Policies.
    • Handle: RePEc:nam:defipp:2103
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    File URL: https://defipp.unamur.be/wp/defipp_wp_2021_3.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R4 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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