Page 4 - IDEA Dopravni reforma studie

Summary

 This study summarises the results of a quantitative assessment of the impact
of the points system, introduced in 2006, on the number of fatal traffic
accidents in the Czech Republic. The introduction of the points system was
also accompanied by legal changes that raised fines for traffic offences and
broadened the transport police's powers.

 Initially, the number of fatal accidents dropped sharply. Injuries were reduced
by 33.3%, which with 95% certainty represents between 51 and 204 lives
saved. However, beyond the first year, the new law had no noticeable impact
on the number of fatal accidents.

 Our findings indicate that the reform's negligible impact in the long term was
caused by a gradual decline in resources dedicated to traffic police services in
the field.

 Exaggerated expectations very likely contributed to the reform's significant
short-term impact, as people over-estimated the possible sanctions they would
face with the introduction of the new law, and drove carefully for a few weeks.
Over time, they adapted their behaviour to meet the real level of monitoring
and enforcement of the new rules, which was in fact low and becoming even
lower. The number of fatal accidents thus returned to its original level.

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