Punishment and Deterrence: Evidence from Drunk Driving
American Economic Review · 2015 · Volume 105 · Issue 4
Abstract
I test the effect of harsher punishments and sanctions on driving under the influence (DUI). In this setting, punishments are determined by strict rules on blood alcohol content (BAC) and previous offenses. Regression discontinuity derived estimates suggest that having a BAC above the DUI threshold reduces recidivism by up to 2 percentage points (17 percent). Likewise having a BAC over the aggravated DUI threshold reduces recidivism by an additional percentage point (9 percent). The results suggest that the additional sanctions experienced by drunk drivers at BAC thresholds are effective in reducing repeat drunk driving. (JEL I12, K42, R41)
Keywords
Health Behavior, Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law, Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion, Travel Time, Safety and Accidents, Transportation Noise
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