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Most drivers have a reasonable estimate of how common and serious car crashes are, since we drive and know people who drive and therefore have firsthand and sec

Most drivers have a reasonable estimate of how common and serious car crashes are, since we drive and know people who drive and therefore have firsthand and secondhand experience with the matter The same probably can't be said for most skydivers (I assume most are first timers ticking off a bucket list item.)

bombcar 3y ago
Because most people are drivers, they can recognize a "bad cab" or even a "bad bus" just when they see one. Most people are not professional ship drivers, and so big ships are much harder to recognize as "bad" just by looking at it. And the entire world is filled with "required, but ignored" waivers and such, and people just kind of "do what the professionals are saying."
giantg2 3y ago
By that same logic the skydiver had a reasonable estimate of how dangerous it was based on the stereotypical view of the activity (and his prayer before doing it). The point isn't about if you think something is dangerous, but how dangerous it is. There are a bunch of near accidents and minor accidents because people fail to realize their limitations and the vehicle dynamics. I constantly see people texting, tailgating, and not understanding the law (right of way isuses). Many people are wildly overconfident, showing they don't really know the risks and engage in risky behavior that they aren't even aware of.
- lupusreal 3y ago
  Stereotypes probably aren't a good basis for reasonable estimates. The average "I would never skydive" person probably severely overestimates the risks. Somebody who does decide to skydive... I can't say. But unless they looked up the statistics I think it's fair to say they have less information about it than an average driver. Also, drivers know all about near misses. Their propensity to near miss is based off their knowledge that major accidents are quiet infrequent for most drivers (most will never be in a life-threatening crash, and minor crashes are a "once in several years" occassion for most drivers.)
  - giantg2 3y ago
    "Stereotypes probably aren't a good basis for reasonable estimates." Yet stereotypes are exactly what you're talking about when it comes to anecdotal evidence in your prior comment. Most people don't think about the what ifs, or possible outcomes. They're making stereotypes based on the experiences they do have. Stuff like how dangerous driving in the snow is if your a southerner or a northerner. "Also, drivers know all about near misses." I've seen some rather oblivious drivers who didn't realize how close they came to injury or death. The statistics for either activity isn't particularly helpful because individual scenarios can be wildy different.
    - lupusreal 3y ago
      Personal experience aren't stereotypes. Stereotypes about skydiving by somebody who has no experience and knows nobody with any experience are not comparable to having said experience. I think you're being very silly here because you gave an axe to grind against cars.
      - giantg2 3y ago
        I don't have an axe to grind against cars. I'm usually commenting in defense of cars. However, improving the driving tests could improve safety. Most crashes are the result of poor judgement or a lack of understanding the rules. "Personal experience aren't stereotypes." How do you think stereotypes start? It's personal experience coupled with group think. A perfect example is how people think nice sunny days are safer for driving. Yet in reality they are risky because people pay less attention and drive faster than in the rain. So yes, there are common stereotypes of the safety of various conditions.

bombcar 3y ago

Because most people are drivers, they can recognize a "bad cab" or even a "bad bus" just when they see one. Most people are not professional ship drivers, and so big ships are much harder to recognize as "bad" just by looking at it. And the entire world is filled with "required, but ignored" waivers and such, and people just kind of "do what the professionals are saying."

giantg2 3y ago

By that same logic the skydiver had a reasonable estimate of how dangerous it was based on the stereotypical view of the activity (and his prayer before doing it). The point isn't about if you think something is dangerous, but how dangerous it is. There are a bunch of near accidents and minor accidents because people fail to realize their limitations and the vehicle dynamics. I constantly see people texting, tailgating, and not understanding the law (right of way isuses). Many people are wildly overconfident, showing they don't really know the risks and engage in risky behavior that they aren't even aware of.

lupusreal 3y ago
Stereotypes probably aren't a good basis for reasonable estimates. The average "I would never skydive" person probably severely overestimates the risks. Somebody who does decide to skydive... I can't say. But unless they looked up the statistics I think it's fair to say they have less information about it than an average driver. Also, drivers know all about near misses. Their propensity to near miss is based off their knowledge that major accidents are quiet infrequent for most drivers (most will never be in a life-threatening crash, and minor crashes are a "once in several years" occassion for most drivers.)
- giantg2 3y ago
  "Stereotypes probably aren't a good basis for reasonable estimates." Yet stereotypes are exactly what you're talking about when it comes to anecdotal evidence in your prior comment. Most people don't think about the what ifs, or possible outcomes. They're making stereotypes based on the experiences they do have. Stuff like how dangerous driving in the snow is if your a southerner or a northerner. "Also, drivers know all about near misses." I've seen some rather oblivious drivers who didn't realize how close they came to injury or death. The statistics for either activity isn't particularly helpful because individual scenarios can be wildy different.
  - lupusreal 3y ago
    Personal experience aren't stereotypes. Stereotypes about skydiving by somebody who has no experience and knows nobody with any experience are not comparable to having said experience. I think you're being very silly here because you gave an axe to grind against cars.
    - giantg2 3y ago
      I don't have an axe to grind against cars. I'm usually commenting in defense of cars. However, improving the driving tests could improve safety. Most crashes are the result of poor judgement or a lack of understanding the rules. "Personal experience aren't stereotypes." How do you think stereotypes start? It's personal experience coupled with group think. A perfect example is how people think nice sunny days are safer for driving. Yet in reality they are risky because people pay less attention and drive faster than in the rain. So yes, there are common stereotypes of the safety of various conditions.