Abstract
The author proposes the theory that driver behavior, specifically accident rate, is tied to economic conditions. Statistics showing relationships between unemployment rates and per capita traffic death rates for seven different countries are cited. The author reasons that it should be possible to reduce the accident rate in good or bad economic times by incentives that make not having an accident more rewarding (e.g., through extending bonuses for accident-free task performance). Differing behaviors that may be rewarded are discussed (e.g., using seat belt, driving sober, driving at or below speed limit). Past incentive programs and studies on such approaches to driver behavior modification are presented.