This paper gives a short account of the `International Conference on Automobile Insurance and Road Accident Prevention', organised by the OECD and the Dutch Ministry of Transport and Public Works in April 1992. This congress discussed whether and how insurance companies in the Netherlands can help prevent traffic accidents. Different possibilities were presented at the congress. Terms of an insurance policy can be used to reward good, and punish bad driving behaviour, by: (1) the premium system; and (2) varying the magnitude in indemnity. However, a positive effect of them on the traffic safety could not be deduced just like that from the research presented at the congress. It is recommended to (1) study the most recent literature in order to establish a better relationship between insurance companies' measures and their influence on traffic safety; and (2) limit this study to the premium system. Further research will investigate the minimum requirements for both driver and vehicle.
Abstract