Citation

Blomquist GC. Accid. Anal. Prev. 1986; 18(5): 371-375.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3768129

Abstract

A simple utility maximization model is presented to illustrate that risk compensation is a natural part of human behavior when individuals pursue multiple goals with limited resources. In this positive economic model driver safety effort is determined by a balance between reduced risk and increased disutility cost. Changes which affect the balance induce drivers to change their own safety efforts. Under plausible conditions a change in exogenous safety, which is beyond driver control, causes a compensatory change in driver effort in the opposite direction. A sample of special seat belt use studies illustratively indicates the usefulness of the model.