This thesis presents an econometric test of the offsetting behavior hypothesis concerning drivers of light trucks relative to cars. The main objective is to determine whether drivers of light trucks offset perceived safety benefits associated with larger vehicles by driving more aggressively than drivers of cars, subsequently causing more fatal crashes, holding all else constant. An empirical model using data on pedestrian fatalities across the United States over a five-year period is developed and analyzed in order to capture the desired results. Estimates provide substantial evidence in support of the offsetting behavior hypothesis. To strengthen the case for driver offsetting behavior beyond previous studies, the model is estimated again using pedalcyclist fatalities. The results also point to interesting conclusions regarding the effects of increased speed limits on the behavior of drivers.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-1521 |
| Date | 01 January 2005 |
| Creators | Zubritsky, Adam David |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
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