How Dangerous Are Drinking Drivers?

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2001
Volume: 109
Issue: 6
Pages: 1198-1237

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We present a methodology for measuring the risks posed by drinking drivers that relies solely on readily available data on fatal crashes. The key to our identification strategy is a hidden richness inherent in two-car crashes. Drivers with alcohol in their blood are seven times more likely to cause a fatal crash; legally drunk drivers pose a risk 13 times greater than sober drivers. The externality per mile driven by a drunk driver is at least 30 cents. At current enforcement rates the punishment per arrest for drunk driving that internalizes this externality would be equivalent to a fine of $8,000.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:v:109:y:2001:i:6:p:1198-1237
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25