Citation

Leigh JP, Frank AL. J. Health Polit. Policy Law. 1988; 13(4): 723-734.

Affiliation

San Jose State University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Duke University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3235795

Abstract

Economists view taxes as a more efficient means of reducing the consumption of a product than regulation. They have therefore suggested raising cigarette and alcohol taxes to reduce the undesirable effects of tobacco and alcohol on the public's health. This essay suggests that a gasoline tax can have similar beneficial influences on reducing highway deaths and injuries. Moreover, if some proceeds of the tax are used to finance mass transit, the regressivity of the tax can be ameliorated.

Language: en