Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/96773 
Year of Publication: 
2014
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 8042
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We focus on helmet use behavior among motorbike users in Delhi. We use a detailed data set collected for the purpose of the study. To guide our empirical analysis, we rely on a simple model in which drivers decide on self-protection and self-insurance. The empirical findings suggest that risk averse drivers are more likely to wear a helmet, there is no systematic effect on speed. Helmet use also increases with education. Drivers who show a higher awareness of road risks are both more likely to wear a helmet and to speed less. Controlling for risk awareness, we observe that drivers tend to compensate between speed and helmet use. The results can provide a basis for awareness-raising policies. Improvements to the road infrastructure bear the risk of leading to risk-compensating behavior.
Subjects: 
road safety
helmet use
risky health behavior
self-protection
self-insurance
India
risk-taking behavior
JEL: 
D10
I10
I15
K42
R41
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
422.42 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.