I released a new podcast episode about the risk of a few of my irrational fears in life. In this podcast, Richard Garrett and I discuss the risks of dying
- in a car accident,
- in a plane crash,
- from being struck by lightning,
- in an elevator, and
- in a bear attack.
You will have to listen to the podcast to find out if you need to worry about any of these risks. I will blog about some of the topics in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. To give you a taste of what we will discuss the podcast, I will mention that not driving whole intoxicated or getting in a car with someone who is intoxicated reduces the risk of a car fatality by 31%. Always wearing your seat belt reduces your risk of a car fatality by 44%. Both are compared to the aggregate risk across the entire US population.
Bear attacks are less frequent than car fatalities. But just how much riskier are cars than bears? You’ll have to listen for the answer.
Sorry for the long delay on the podcast. If it’s any consolation, I think this is my best podcast yet. I hope you enjoy it. My other podcasts are here (or go to the podcast website). In the mean time, stay clear of bears!
What is your irrational fear?
Punk Rock Operations Research 
April 15th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Without listening to the podcast, I believe that car collisions are by far the riskiest circumstance here. And remember …
(1) … you don’t need to be in the car to suffer as either a pedestrian or cyclist.
(2) … injuries matter too.
April 18th, 2012 at 11:58 am
What is the probability to die for a baseball? jajaja
April 18th, 2012 at 11:59 am
What is the probability to die for a baseball?