MINIMUM WAGES AND ALCOHOL-RELATED TRAFFIC FATALITIES AMONG TEENS

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Adams, Scott; Blackburn, McKinley L.; Cotti, Chad D.
• 署名单位: University of Wisconsin System; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; University of South Carolina System; University of South Carolina Columbia; University of Wisconsin System; University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/REST_a_00199
• 发表日期: 2012-08
• 页码: 828-840
• 关键词: fractional response variables; time-series; policies; EMPLOYMENT; increases

摘要

Using cross-state variation in minimum wages, we observe a positive relationship between the minimum wage and the number of alcohol-related accidents involving teen drivers. A similar effect is not observed when examining accidents among adults. The results are consistent with a positive income elasticity for alcoholic beverages and driving activities among young people, in particular for consumption out of discretionary income accorded by higher minimum wages. Evidence of a sizable impact of beer taxes on alcohol-related accidents among youths suggests that beer taxes are one avenue for policymakers to consider in counteracting this unintended consequence of minimum wages.