While accident rates have fallen by at least 50% since the 1950s, the transport accident rate is still one in 6000 in the USA. The measurement of safety is discussed. While the monetary cost of accidents is easy to evaluate, social costs are difficult to value. Comparisons of travel modes show that only 15% involve commercial transport operators and the remainder involve private transport. Buses and commercial aviation remain the safest forms of transport. Perception of risk is discussed, including the overestimation of low probability events that kill several people at a time, or events over which the participant has no control. Underestimation of risk among young male drivers is also discussed. The safety concerns associated with freight transport, including explosions and oil spills are outlined. Public policies regarding private car driving and commercial transport are outlined for the USA.
Samenvatting