As Gas Prices Go Up, Auto Deaths Go Down

Font Size By The Associated Press.
.

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr As Gas Prices Go Up, Auto Deaths Go Down
Published: Fri, July 11, 2008 - 12:32 pm
Last Updated: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 12:35 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) - Two researchers say today's high gas prices
could cut auto deaths by as much as a third as driving decreases.
The effect may be particularly dramatic among teenage drivers, who
are more price-sensitive than adults.

A study by professors Michael Morrisey of the University of
Alabama and David Grabowski of Harvard Medical School found that
for every 10 percent increase in gas prices there was a 2.3 percent
decline in auto deaths. For drivers aged 15 to 17 the decline was 6
percent and for ages 18 to 21 it was 3.2 percent.

The study looked at fatalities through 2006, before the latest
run up in gas prices. With gas now averaging over $4 a gallon,
Morrisey said he expects to see a drop of about 1,000 deaths a
month.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Oh boy, I just know my automobile insurance rate is going to drop within the week, NOT.

Posted by The wife on 07/11/08 - 4:16 pm • Report Abuse   

My words exactly 4u. Two researchers were actually paid to figure this out. Can you say common sense?

Posted by atbman on 07/11/08 - 3:09 pm • Report Abuse   

Another contributing factor to the decrease in traffic fatalities is that some people are actually slowing down to help conserve gas.  I just returned from a trip to Houston, TX.  I decided to drive 60 - 65 miles an hour instead of flying like I usually do on the interstate and I was shocked at the gas savings.  And I wasn’t the only person with this idea; there were lots of vehicles going slower, including some big trucks.  I drive this route a lot and the difference was obvious.  Of course there were still plenty of speeders too.

Posted by scarlisle on 07/11/08 - 2:16 pm • Report Abuse   

Well..Duhhhh.

Posted by working4u on 07/11/08 - 1:47 pm • Report Abuse   


Recent Commented: News Reports

Wild Monkey Chase

1 Total Comments
Wild Monkey Chase Tokyo's most-wanted fugitive continues to evade the police.… more »

Mayor Arrested After Council…

4 Total Comments
Mayor Arrested After Council Argument Councilwoman Linda Renn-Pierce, who is white, says during… more »

FEMA Pays For “Extended…

1 Total Comments
FEMA Pays For “Extended Stays” FEMA to cover hotels for those with damaged homes. more »

Rove Defends Subpoena Decision…

9 Total Comments
Rove Defends Subpoena Decision Fomer Bush Adviser says he'll answer Congress's questions… more »

Out Of Money?

9 Total Comments
Out Of Money? The American Red Cross is borrowing money to cover its costs… more »

Deadly Accident in Baldwin County…

7 Total Comments
Deadly Accident in Baldwin County A Robertsdale family grieving for two family members killed… more »

 


Contact Information   •   Internships   •   Open Ratings   •   Advertise With Us
FFC-EEO Report   •   Children's Programming   •   FCC Form 388   •   Public File