The more specific figures are based on 2001, the most recent year for which complete data are available. Other odds, indicated with an asterisk (*) are based on long-term data. Keep this in mind the next time you are shopping around for whole life insurance.

All figures below are for U.S. residents.
Cause of Death Lifetime Odds

Heart Disease 1-in-5

Cancer 1-in-7

Stroke 1-in-23

Accidental Injury 1-in-36

Motor Vehicle Accident* 1-in-100

Intentional Self-harm (suicide) 1-in-121

Falling Down 1-in-246

Assault by Firearm 1-in-325

Fire or Smoke 1-in-1,116

Natural Forces (heat, cold, storms, quakes, etc.) 1-in-3,357

Electrocution* 1-in-5,000

Drowning 1-in-8,942

Air Travel Accident* 1-in-20,000

Flood* (included also in Natural Forces above) 1-in-30,000

Legal Execution 1-in-58,618

Tornado* (included also in Natural Forces above) 1-in-60,000

Lightning Strike (included also in Natural Forces above) 1-in-83,930

Snake, Bee or other Venomous Bite or Sting* 1-in-100,000

Earthquake (included also in Natural Forces above) 1-in-131,890

Dog Attack 1-in-147,717

Asteroid Impact* 1-in-200,000**

Tsunami* 1-in-500,000

Fireworks Discharge 1-in-615,488

** Perhaps 1-in-500,000

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, CDC; American Cancer Society; National Safety Council; International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; World Health Organization; USGS; Clark Chapman, SwRI; David Morrison, NASA; Michael Paine, Planetary Society Australian Volunteers, LiveScience

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