Re: [Paddlewise] Risk - was How and when

----- Original Message -----
From: 735769 <735769_at_ican.net>
To: <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 1999 4:47 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Risk - was How and when


> >
>
> This has to do with something called risk homeostasis. Basically the
theory
> says that each person has a comfortable level of risk. If they perceive
they
> have greater safety they increase their level of risk until they reach
their
> comfort level (and vice versa). Thus, if paddlers (or motorcycle drivers)
> perceive that a device or skill makes them safer they will increase their
> levels of risk thus increasing their chance of an accident and, more often
> than not, will increase the probable severity of an accident..
>
> Despite all the modern safety devices on automobiles our level of safety
> hasn't really changed. We drive faster and more aggressively and get into
> more and more serious accidents.
>

Actually, there has been a significant decline in the total number of deaths
from motor vehicle crashes in the US over the last 20 years or so, and a
much greater decline in the number of deaths per mile travelled.  Granted
other factors may be involved, but it does appear that safety improvements
in autos and roads have made a difference.

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************