Mortality Risk Calculation: A Quantitative Analysis
In an attempt to shed light on the risks we face in our daily lives, we've compiled a list of various factors and their associated lifetime odds of death. These statistics come from the National Safety Council Injury Facts 2011 report.
Everyday Activities and Risks
- The odds of dying in a car accident are 1 in 303, while cycling has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 4,717. Motorcycle accidents, a more dangerous mode of transport, have a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 770.
- Falls, a common occurrence in our daily lives, have a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 171. This is significantly higher than the risk of being attacked by a dog (1 in 120,864) or encountering danger from fireworks (1 in 386,766).
- Contact with hornets, wasps, and bees has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 71,623, while accidental drowning has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 1,123.
- Exposure to smoke or fire has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 1,177, and exposure to excessive natural heat has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 12,517.
- The odds of death from a cataclysmic storm are 1 in 46,044, and from a flood, 1 in 175,803.
- Earthquakes have a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 148,756.
Health-Related Risks
- Heart disease has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 6, making it a significant health concern.
- Stroke has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 28.
- Cancer has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 7, making it one of the most common causes of death.
- Accidental poisoning by toxic substances has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 130.
- Exposure to electric current, radiation, temperature, or pressure has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 9,943.
- Lightning has a lifetime odds of death of 1 in 84,079.
Injury Death Statistics
According to the National Safety Council Injury Facts 2011, motor vehicle accidents and falls are the top causes of injury death, with falls rising in ranking over recent years. Motor vehicle accidents account for about 30-35% of injury deaths, while falls account for about 20%. Accidental poisoning ranks as a leading cause, often cited as second behind falls or motor vehicle crashes.
For detailed percentage breakdowns from the 2011 NSC Injury Facts, it is recommended to consult the original National Safety Council Injury Facts 2011 publication.
Understanding these odds can help us make informed decisions about our safety and well-being. Always prioritise precaution and awareness when engaging in activities that carry a higher risk of injury or death.
Technology, such as self-driving cars, could potentially reduce the lifetime odds of death in motor vehicle accidents (1 in 303). With advancements in space technology, the exploration of the universe could open up opportunities for learning more about health-and-wellness, given that the lifetime odds of death from a discovery in space might be lower than some common everyday risks. For example, the odds of dying from a cataclysmic storm (1 in 46,044) are significantly lower than the risk of heart disease (1 in 6).
