Journal of Ergonomics
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Motor Insurance Premiums on Driver Behavior and Road Safety

Ibrahim M Abdalla Alfaki and Mouna Enaji

Motor insurance premiums are commonly linked with drivers? behaviour and risk profile. The main objective of this paper is to assess possible contribution of motor insurance premiums, claims and policies on drivers? behaviour and in increasing road safety and decreasing the number of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Published and sample surveyed data were used to investigate the country?s RTAs experience and possible links between insurance premiums/claims and drivers? behaviour and road safety. Drivers? risk profile and other relevant factors obtained from Abu-Dhabi Emirate vehicle drivers? survey were used to probe into determinants of the number of motor insurance claims and to discuss characteristics of high risk drivers, those who are more likely to cause road accidents. Results suggest that the proportion of drivers? at fault in road traffic accidents decreases with the increase in the value of motor insurance premiums. Moreover, drivers who make more motor insurance claims are more likely to be guilty of causing traffic accidents. The nationality of the driver and the number of motor insurance claims made are two important predictors of high risk drivers.