Citation

Carpenter C, Dobkin C. Am. Econ. J. Appl. Econ. 2009; 1(1): 164-182.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American Economic Association)

DOI

10.1257/app.1.1.164

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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)