Your odds of dying from an accidental opioid overdose continue to be greater than dying in a motor-vehicle crash

Fear is natural and healthy. It can help us respond to danger more quickly or avoid a dangerous situation altogether. It can also cause us to worry about the wrong things, especially when it comes to estimating our level of risk.

If we overestimate our risk in one area, it can lead to anxiety and interfere with carrying out our normal daily routine. Ironically, it also leads us to underestimate real risks that can injure or kill us.

It can be difficult to accurately assess the biggest risks we face. Plane crashes, being struck by lightning, or being attacked by a dog are common fears, but what about falls, the danger inside of a bottle of pills, or your drive to work?

Knowing the odds is the first step in beating them. But, not all risks faced in life can be accurately estimated. Many people would like to know their odds of dying in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the infographic to understand why odds of dying estimates are not yet available. To explore current COVID-19 case and fatality trends in the United States please visit the COVID-19 page.