NCJ Number
135609
Journal
International Journal of Forecasting Dated: (1989) Pages: 515-522
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Monthly data from January 1978 through December 1985 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of new laws introduced in California in January 1982 to control drunk driving by taking a tougher approach to the problem.
Abstract
The data covered total fatalities in automobile accidents, alcohol-related fatalities in traffic accidents, vehicle miles driven per month, and the number of Saturdays in each month. A dummy variable was also included to indicate the legislative change. The data were analyzed using a Box-Jenkins type of interrupted time series. Results revealed a significant decline in the death rates from automobile accidents following the enactment of the new laws. Moreover, the control effects appeared to be persistent rather than transitory. Figures, tables, and 17 references (Author abstract modified)