Texting Bans and Fatal Accidents on Roadways: Do They Work? Or Do Drivers Just React to Announcements of Bans?

Rahi Abouk and Scott Adams ()

American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 2013, vol. 5, issue 2, 179-99

Abstract: Since 2007, many states passed laws prohibiting text messaging while driving. Using vehicular fatality data from across the United States and standard difference-in-differences techniques, bans appear moderately successful at reducing single-vehicle, single-occupant accidents if bans are universally applied and enforced as a primary offense. Bans enforced as secondary offenses, however, have at best no effect on accidents. Any reduction in accidents following texting bans is short-lived, however, with accidents returning to near former levels within a few months. This is suggestive of drivers reacting to the announcement of the legislation only to return to old habits shortly afterward. (JEL D12, K42, R41)

JEL-codes: D12 K42 R41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.5.2.179
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (67)

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