Assuming that the survival rate is constant as a function of trip length, the empirical estimate of the risk is fully determined by the number of deaths per distance.
> Assuming that the survival rate is constant as a function of trip length
That's an assumption that doesn't hold up, at least that's the argument I was trying to make above.
Generalizing so much data down to a single statistic makes the number useless. Almost all context is lost, really the only context kept is mode of transportation and distance traveled. That isn't enough to help anyone make a decision for any particular trip.
Airline travel is much riskier in takeoff and landing phases. A bunch of 200 mile flights is riskier than a 3500 mile trans-con trip.
Car travel is much safer on controlled access highways than 40 mph surface streets.