Heckle and Chide: Results of a randomized road safety intervention in Kenya

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Public Economics
Year: 2011
Volume: 95
Issue: 11
Pages: 1438-1446

Authors (2)

Habyarimana, James (not in RePEc) Jack, William (Georgetown University)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We report the results of a randomized field experiment aimed at improving the safety of long-distance mini-busses or matatus in Kenya. Our intervention combines evocative messages aimed at motivating passengers to speak up against bad driving with a lottery that rewards matatu drivers for keeping the stickers in place. Independent insurance claims data were collected for more than 2000 long-distance matatus before and after the intervention. Our results indicate that insurance claims fell by a half to two-thirds, from a baseline annual rate of about 10%, and that claims involving injury or death fell by 60%. While we are unable to identify the mechanism(s) underlying this effect, the intervention is more cost effective in reducing mortality than other documented public health interventions.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:pubeco:v:95:y:2011:i:11:p:1438-1446
Journal Field
Public
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25