You might think that terrorist is the biggest cause of death when traveling, but you would be wrong. Between October 2002 and June 1015, a total of 10,545 Americans died abroad due to non-natural causes. The leading cause of death -- traffic accidents. Tallying in at 3,104, traffic accidents are more likely to kill American travelers than homicide, which came in second at 2,000.
That is not to say that terrorism should be downplayed from tragedy to coincidence, but maybe people should inform themselves on other common dangers. A review of the U.S. State Department’s registry of American deaths abroad reveals that the horror of the Metrojet bombing obscures reality: It turns out Egyptian drivers are responsible for far more American fatalities than Egyptian terrorists."
Another surprising finding seemed to be the number of drownings. Certain countries were dangerous due to their water-based attractions. With 1,320 deaths by drowning, places like Mexico, the Bahamas and Costa Rica are to be treated with caution around activities like swimming, diving and other water activities.
So, as the data supports, it looks like the dangers travelers really need to worry about are day to day safety issues in unique cultural surroundings. Drive, swim and explore safely.
Amanda Hand 3/30/2016
That is not to say that terrorism should be downplayed from tragedy to coincidence, but maybe people should inform themselves on other common dangers. A review of the U.S. State Department’s registry of American deaths abroad reveals that the horror of the Metrojet bombing obscures reality: It turns out Egyptian drivers are responsible for far more American fatalities than Egyptian terrorists."
Another surprising finding seemed to be the number of drownings. Certain countries were dangerous due to their water-based attractions. With 1,320 deaths by drowning, places like Mexico, the Bahamas and Costa Rica are to be treated with caution around activities like swimming, diving and other water activities.
So, as the data supports, it looks like the dangers travelers really need to worry about are day to day safety issues in unique cultural surroundings. Drive, swim and explore safely.
Amanda Hand 3/30/2016