By Fester:
The University of Michigan is reporting a significant decline in traffic fatalities through the first part of this year. The researchers believe the primary factor is the decrease in miles driven combined with the timing of those miles. Fewer miles should lead to fewer deaths; all else being equal. However the drivers who are cutting back a lot are inexperienced teenagers. The average driver is now demographically a little bit safer. Additionally, the miles that have been reduced have been discretionary late night and weekend miles where high speed and bad conditions are more likely to be in play. Finally, the researchers found the pain threshold to be at $3.20 a gallon.
I have a local question that I would like answered. I wonder if Allegheny County will see an unusually high decline in traffic fatalities as the county enacted a 10% poured drink tax on January 1, 2008. This tax makes drinking outside of a home more expensive which means there is a bit less of it occurring. This tax can be avoided by drinking at home. Allegheny County wholesale booze purchase growth is less than that of the surrounding counties.
I wonder if the combination of high gas prices and relatively higher outside the home booze prices are creating a very safe on the streets year for the county?
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