## What Are the Odds of Dying While Bungee Jumping?
Bungee jumping is an extreme sport that involves jumping off a tall structure with a large elastic cord attached to your ankles. The cord stretches as you fall, and then it recoils, pulling you back up. Bungee jumping is a popular tourist attraction, but it can also be dangerous.
### How Dangerous Is Bungee Jumping?
The odds of dying while bungee jumping are very low. In fact, it is much more dangerous to drive a car than it is to go bungee jumping. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 39,107 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2020. This means that the odds of dying in a car accident are about 1 in 10,000.
In contrast, there have been only a handful of deaths in the United States from bungee jumping. According to the American Bungee Association, there were only 12 deaths from bungee jumping in the United States between 1993 and 2021. This means that the odds of dying while bungee jumping are about 1 in 10 million.
### What Are the Risks of Bungee Jumping?
While the odds of dying while bungee jumping are very low, there are still some risks involved. These risks include:
* **Equipment failure:** Bungee jumping equipment can fail, and this can lead to serious injury or death.
* **Human error:** Bungee jumping operators can make mistakes, and this can also lead to serious injury or death.
* **Medical conditions:** Some medical conditions can increase the risk of injury or death from bungee jumping. These conditions include heart disease, high blood pressure, and epilepsy.
### How Can I Reduce the Risks of Bungee Jumping?
There are a few things you can do to reduce the risks of bungee jumping:
* **Choose a reputable bungee jumping operator.** Make sure the operator has a good safety record and uses high-quality equipment.
* **Get a medical checkup before you go bungee jumping.** This will help to ensure that you are healthy enough to participate in the activity.
* **Follow the operator’s instructions carefully.** This will help to ensure that you are safe during the jump.
### Is Bungee Jumping Worth the Risk?
Whether or not bungee jumping is worth the risk is a personal decision. If you are healthy and have a good safety record, then the risks of bungee jumping are very low. However, if you have any medical conditions or concerns, then you may want to reconsider.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to go bungee jumping is up to you. Just be sure to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before you make a decision.
### Additional Information
Here are some additional facts about bungee jumping:
* The first commercial bungee jump was performed in 1986 by A.J. Hackett in New Zealand.
* The world’s highest bungee jump is the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, which is 1,260 feet high.
* The world’s longest bungee jump is the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland, which is 720 feet high.
* Bungee jumping is a popular tourist attraction in many countries around the world.