Can Primary Seat-Belt Laws in the U.S. Alter Drivers' Behavior? : Synthetic Panel Data Analysis

This paper investigates the offsetting effect theory using individual-level accident data to analyze how drivers respond to seat-belt laws. Using synthetic panel data, I find that drivers are more careful when the laws are enforced more strictly, and that careful driving does not necessarily result in more pedestrian involvement in accidents. I also find that the change in the laws results in an increased number of careful drivers and a decreased number of careless drivers in accidents. The results show that the offsetting effects are weaker than expected or may not exist in accidents, and that the laws are effective in reducing accidental harm on the roads.