NCJ Number
116827
Date Published
1988
Length
153 pages
Annotation
This study used an interrupted time-series design, with nonequivalent dependent variables, to assess the impact of Indiana's 1985 legislation banning 'Happy Hours' (the provision of alcoholic beverages at reduced prices during certain hours or days) on automobile accidents.
Abstract
Results provided no evidence that the legislation reduced automobile accidents in the State. After estimating ARIMA models for those times and days most likely to be affected by the ban, estimates of the intervention parameter were not significant in any case. Furthermore, the intervention components for three control series were negative and approached statistical significance in one instance, suggesting an exogenous reduction in accidents during times and days when the ban could have had no effect. Analyses of accidents in which there were evidence of alcohol involvement were similar in result. Intervention effects were positive, but nonsignificant for the treatment series, and negative but, nonsignificant for the control series. A more restricted analysis of data for Massachusetts produced similar results. Such legislation in Indiana and elsewhere is best viewed as an example of symbolic action against a policy problem in the face of public pressure. Supplemental data are appended. 21 figures, 5 tables, and 49 references.