BACKGROUND: This study examines short- and long-run effects of a new-stricter-road traffic law on traffic accident-related fatalities in the Czech Republic. The law introduced tougher punishments through the introduction of a demerit point system and a manifold increase in fines, together with augmented authority of traffic police. METHODS: Identification is based on difference-in-differences methodology, with neighbouring countries serving as a control group. RESULTS: There was a sharp, 33.3%, decrease in accident-related fatalities during the first three post-reform months. This translates into 127 saved lives (95% confidence interval: 51, 204). The decline was, however, temporary; the estimates of the effects going beyond the first year are around zero. Unique data on traffic police activity reveal that police resources devoted to traffic law enforcement gradually declined. CONCLUSIONS: Tougher penalties have significant, but often short-lived effects. Weaker enforcement in the aftermath of such reforms may explain the absence of long-run effects.
- MeSH
- databáze faktografické MeSH
- dopravní nehody mortalita statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- formální sociální kontrola metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- motorová vozidla ekonomika zákonodárství a právo MeSH
- organizační inovace MeSH
- policie MeSH
- prosazení zákonů MeSH
- regresní analýza MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Německo MeSH
- Rakousko MeSH
