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Abstract
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This article reviews the effects of economic conditions on health indicators, alcohol consumption, motor vehicle accidents, and drunk driving and proposes a model of the relationship between economic conditions and alcohol-related accidents.
Existing research into the effects of economic conditions on health suggest that economic recession and job loss have deleterious effects associated with increased stress and reduced resources for adequate diet, health care, nutrition, and other necessities. Economic prosperity has been found to contribute to increased morbidity and mortality by increasing risk-taking activities (e.g., richer diets, increased alcohol consumption). A number of studies have shown unemployment to be related to increased alcohol consumption and problem drinking. In addition, beverage prices and income levels also have been found to be factors in drinking behavior and alcohol-related problems. Finally, limited studies available to date do indicate a relationship between economic conditions and traffic safety, although the nature of the relationship is unclear. Based on these research findings, a basic model of the alcohol-drinking-driving relationship can be posited in which an economic downturn might reduce drinking by reducing discretionary income. Alternatively, increased stress associated with unemployment and economic uncertainty might increase drinking. Thus, alcohol-related accident rates might increase or decrease during recession, depending on the prior effect of the economic downturn on alcohol consumption. Additional research to clarify these relationships is needed.
Language: en |