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Effects of Motorcycle Helmet Laws on Fatalities’ Prevention: An Impact Evaluation

Author

Listed:
  • Blanco, Magdalena
  • Cabrera, José María
  • Cid, Alejandro
  • Carozzi, Felipe

Abstract

Simultaneity bias complicates the estimation of the causal effect of motorcycle helmet usage on fatalities. We overcome this obstacle by exploiting an exogenous variation in the enforcement of the motorcycle helmet usage law between two municipalities in Uruguay. We show evidence of a dramatic increase in helmet usage in one municipality after the law was enforced. In just one month, usage increased from less than 10% to more than 90%. Our difference in difference estimates show that helmet usage laws are associated with a significant decrease in injuries and fatalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Blanco, Magdalena & Cabrera, José María & Cid, Alejandro & Carozzi, Felipe, 2017. "Effects of Motorcycle Helmet Laws on Fatalities’ Prevention: An Impact Evaluation," MPRA Paper 84652, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:84652
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin & Homer, Jenny F., 2009. "Public policies and motorcycle safety," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 831-838, July.
    2. Homer, J. & French, M., 2009. "Motorcycle helmet laws in the United States from 1990 to 2005: Politics and public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(3), pages 415-423.
    3. Dee, Thomas S., 2009. "Motorcycle helmets and traffic safety," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 398-412, March.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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