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Major Traffic Safety Reform and Road Traffic Injuries Among Low-Income New York Residents, 2009-2021
Kacie L Dragan1, Sherry A Glied1
1Kacie L. Dragan is with the Harvard University Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, Cambridge, MA, and the NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY. Sherry A. Glied is with the NYU Wagner School of Public Service.
American Journal of Public Health
|May 8, 2024
Summary
New York City's Vision Zero policy significantly reduced traffic injuries and saved Medicaid millions, especially for Black residents. However, effectiveness declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Transportation Safety
- Health Economics
Background:
- New York City's (NYC) 2014 Vision Zero initiative aimed to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.
- Socioeconomically disadvantaged populations often face higher risks of traffic-related injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of NYC's Vision Zero policy on traffic injuries and healthcare expenditures among Medicaid enrollees.
- To assess disparities in policy effects across different demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- Difference-in-differences analysis using individual-level New York Medicaid data (2009-2021).
- Comparison of NYC with surrounding counties lacking similar traffic reforms.
- Measurement of traffic injuries, severe injuries, hospitalizations, and Medicaid expenditures.
Main Results:
- Vision Zero led to a significant reduction in traffic injuries among NYC Medicaid enrollees (77.5 fewer per 100,000 person-years annually).
- Substantial decreases in severe injuries and $90.8 million in Medicaid savings were observed in the first 5 years.
- The policy demonstrated the largest benefits for Black residents, but its positive impacts were reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
- NYC's Vision Zero policy provided significant protection for vulnerable, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
- The policy's effectiveness was diminished during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
- Findings offer evidence for other cities implementing comprehensive traffic safety policies.
