Sam Peltzman

Today, I've had a bit of a fascination with something.

And that is, I don't know if you've ever heard of this, something called the Peltzman effect.

It's the idea that when people feel safer because of a new rule, device or protection, They often respond by taking more risks, which basically cancels out the gain that they've made in safety.

Where did this come from? I'm just trying to think.

I believe it was primarily discovered in seatbelts.

Drivers wearing seatbelts feel more protected, so some drive faster or follow more closely.

Peltzman's original research found increased driving intensity among belted drivers.

Even though seatbelts do save lives overall, some of the benefit is offset by riskier behaviour.