Assessing the Impact of Point-based License Systems on Road Safety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The driver’s license point-based system is a preventive measure for penalizing offenses committed by drivers with the aim of reducing road accidents, which has been applied in a large number of countries to date. The aim of this systematic review was to examine a set of studies that analyze the effectiveness of point-based licensing in relation to the reduction of road accidents, as well as its impact on other variables documented in the scientific literature. Method: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for reports published between date of database inception and September 2023. The review process was conducted following the PRISMA recommendations and requirements. This procedure acquired 26 items that met the eligibility requirements of the study. Results: It is noted that point-based driving licenses are beneficial for road safety as they discourage drivers from committing infractions or risky behaviors and, consequently, contribute significantly to reducing road accident rates in the regions where they are applied. Specifically, meta-analysis indicate that point-based driving license reduced, as an overall, around 21% the negative outcomes related to traffic, 10% fatalities, and 9% non-fatal injuries. In addition, it is identified that users value the measure positively, and perceive that its purpose is to raise awareness and improve road safety, rather than its sanctioning or collecting role. Conclusions: The findings support the implementation and expansion of the point-based license system in more countries around the world as a valuable strategy to reduce traffic accidents and promote a safer driving culture.

Keywords

• point-based license
• drivers
• preventive measure
• road safety
• systematic review
• meta-analysis