Effects of Prices, Civil and Criminal Sanctions, and Law Enforcement on Alcohol-Related Mortality

• NCJ Number: 158118
• Journal: Journal of Studies on Alcohol Volume: 55 Issue: 4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 454- 465
• Author(s): F A Sloan; B A Reilly; C Schenzler
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): 5-R01-AA-08354
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

State data for each year between 1982 and 1988 were used in an empirical analysis of the effects of various public policies on mortality rates.

Abstract

The causes of death were categorized as follows: alcohol primary cause; traffic accident; homicides; suicides; falls, fires, and other accidents; and contributory cause deaths (cancers of the alimentary trace). Results revealed that increasing the price of alcohol decreases mortality rates for some of the causes, but not for primary cause deaths. Higher excise taxes on cigarettes reduce contributory cause mortality. Dram shop laws have negative and statistically significant effects not only on mortality rates from traffic accidents but also for several other causes; further analysis should determine how these reductions are achieved. The data did not indicate an impact of mandatory minimum jail terms, fines, or license revocation for a drunk driving conviction on alcohol-related mortality. However, increased police protection decreases mortality rates for several categories, especially homicides and traffic accidents. Imposing capital punishment also reduced homicide rates. Findings indicated that reduction in alcohol-related mortality can be achieved through a mix of public policies, but that no single policy is a panacea. Figure, tables, and 74 references (Author abstract modified)