10 Underappreciated Things in the Northwest That Could Kill You | The Seattle Times

Good list. I can sometimes be a pessimist and would like to add the other ways in which we will likely be killed/harmed:

Out of State Drivers

Likelihood: You bet your ass!.

Unpleasant Facts: Auto accidents remain one of the top leading causes of death in the U.S. The Puget Sound region is expected to grow by 1.8 million people in the next 30 years. That will bring an average of 55,000 people a year to the area. More people in the region + our poor mass transportation infrastructure + our reliance on automobiles = more people driving = more people who can potentially kill you.

The bright side: Hopefully by the time it gets too crowded, autonomous transportation will be perfected and particle transport will be further along. That or the AI have taken all our jobs and automated our daily activities so that we don’t have to leave our houses.

Nuclear Accident

Likelihood: …anything is possible.

Unpleasant Facts: Did you know the region is home to Naval Base Kitsap, home of Naval Station Bremerton and Naval Submarine Base Bangor? Bremerton is the home port for two nuclear aircraft carriers and two fast attack subs. Bangor is the home port for 10+ nuclear subs. Bremerton is also home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where they repair these ships and decommission old nuclear ships. If the slightest human error occurred involving a nuclear component of the ship, it could wipe out or potentially contaminate the entire area.

The bright side: It’s been more than 60 years since we’ve created nuclear weapons and warships and our military has an impeccable track record for safety. There hasn’t been ANY military accidents (that we know of).

People with Guns

Likelihood: At this rate, once a month, or sooner.

Unpleasant Facts: There is a gun-related death every. damn. day. in America. One of the most wealthy and advanced nations in the world and some of us we live like outlaws. As of January 27, 2018, the same week as the Benton, Kentucky school shooting that killed two 15-year old students and injured 14 others, there were 11 school shootings in the U.S. Not even a full month into the new year and 11 school shootings. School shootings are so common that we are not shocked or surprised any more–they are a part of the regular news cycle. On the morning of typing this entry, January 30th at 8 a.m., there were already five shooting deaths not involving law enforcement in the U.S.

The bright side: The bright side is that between Ron Judd’s list and my additions, there are a lot better ways to leave this world.