Impact of the Penalty Points System on Road Traffic Injuries in Spain: A Time–Series Study

Abstract

Objectives. We assessed the effectiveness of the penalty points system (PPS) introduced in Spain in July 2006 in reducing traffic injuries. Methods. We performed an evaluation study with an interrupted time–series design. We stratified dependent variables—numbers of drivers involved in injury collisions and people injured in traffic collisions in Spain from 2000 to 2007 (police data)—by age, injury severity, type of road user, road type, and time of collision, and analyzed variables separately by gender. The explanatory variable (the PPS) compared the postintervention period (July 2006 to December 2007) with the preintervention period (January 2000 to June 2006). We used quasi-Poisson regression, controlling for time trend and seasonality. Results. Among men, we observed a significant risk reduction in the postintervention period for seriously injured drivers (relative risk [RR] = 0.89) and seriously injured people (RR = 0.89). The RRs among women were 0.91 (P = .095) and 0.88 (P < .05), respectively. Risk reduction was greater among male drivers, moped riders, and on urban roads. Conclusions. The PPS was associated with reduced numbers of drivers involved in injury collisions and people injured by traffic collisions in Spain.

High-risk behaviors and experiences with traffic law among night drivers in Curitiba, Brazil

“…33 Therefore, it depends on the immediate perception of punishment for drivers, as evinced by the international literature. 34,35 Another important issue is punishment avoidance. ScottParker et al 36 reported that some young drivers reported they became ''smarter'' by momentarily reducing their hazardous behavior when in the vicinity of the police, or by changing driving routes to evade detection.…”

Effect on road traffic injuries of criminalizing road traffic offences: a time–series study

“…The effect is particularly evident among motorcycle riders, whose risk was the least affected by previous road safety interventions. 4,5 Limitations and strengths…”

“…4 In addition, the introduction of a penalty points system in July 2006 was followed by reductions of 11% and 12% in the number of men and women, respectively, who were seriously injured in traffic collisions across Spain. 5 Legislation alone is unlikely to deter road users from engaging in risky behaviours. To be effective, it must be rigorously enforced and must strongly deter unlawful behaviour by generating awareness and fear of the consequences of breaking the law.…”

Dissuasion conditionnelle, programme d’accès graduel à la conduite et infractions routières

“…Les résultats laissent entendre que l'effet n'est pas simplement dû à l'introduction du système de points d'inaptitude mais aussi à l'application accrue des règlements. Voir aussi Novoa et al (2010) pour des résultats similaires.…”