Dangerous driving, traffic fatalities and enforcement in boom counties

• In Event: Police Traffic Enforcement

Abstract

Recent studies throughout North America have found that the rapid industrialization and population increases associated with resource-based development results in higher levels of social disorder and crime, that some have called ‘boomtown effects.’ This study extends the examination of boomtown effects to traffic crashes in Montana and North Dakota boom counties. We find that the mortality rate for crashes is over six times higher than the homicide rate and that a growing number of these fatalities are occurring in boom counties. Implications for theoretical development, studies of fear of crime and traffic enforcement are identified.

Author

• Rick Ruddell, University of Regina