TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2009//
TI  - The Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Mortality: Regression Discontinuity Evidence from the Minimum Drinking Age
JO  - American economic journal: applied economics
A1  - Carpenter, Christopher
A1  - Dobkin, Carlos
SP  - 164
EP  - 182
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
N2  - We estimate the effect of alcohol consumption on mortality using the minimum drinking age in a regression discontinuity design. We find large and immediate increases in drinking at age 21, including a 21 percent increase in recent drinking days. We also find a discrete 9 percent increase in the mortality rate at age 21, primarily due to motor vehicle accidents, alcohol-related deaths, and suicides. We estimate a 10 percent increase in the number of drinking days for young adults results in a 4.3 percent increase in mortality. Our results suggest policies that reduce drinking among young adults can have substantial public health benefits. (JEL I12, I18)<p /> 
LA  - 
SN  - 1945-7782
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1257/app.1.1.164
ID  - ref1
ER  -