A common thread of this blog has been the idea that the richer a country, generally speaking, the more it spends on keeping people safe, alive and well. A parallel trend to this is increased understanding of the causes of illness and death. When cars were introduced in the early 20th century they were extremely dangerous. Gradually, as the years have gone by, technological developments alongside government-led requirements for things like seatbelts, air bags and road signs have dropped the death rate massively.

But it’s not just true for cars - transport across the board is safer for everyone. Pedestrians:

Plane passengers:

Workers:

Even those struck by lightning:

By almost any measure, we are living in the safest time humanity has ever seen. Enjoy it!

Source: Enlightenment Now, Stephen Pinker