Gasoline prices and road fatalities: International evidence

Vol: 
2014/18
Author name: 
Paul J. Burke
Shuhei Nishitateno
Year: 
2014
Month: 
August
Abstract: 

This study utilizes data for 144 countries from 1991–2010 to present the first international estimates of the gasoline price elasticity of road fatalities. We instrument each country’s gasoline price with that country’s oil reserves and the yearly international crude oil price to address potential endogeneity concerns. Our findings suggest that the average reduction in road fatalities resulting from a 10% increase in the gasoline pump price is in the order of 3–6%. Around 35,000 road deaths per year could be avoided by the removal of global fuel subsidies.

Publication file: 

Updated:  16 July 2024/Responsible Officer:  Crawford Engagement/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team