There's a theory of accidents that I studied when I was…
“There's a theory of accidents that I studied when I was making a film about nuclear weapons: you can never eliminate accidents, because the measures you introduce to prevent accidents actually produce more accidents. That's certainly true of this sport; you're flying over 40 feet of what might look like snow, but it's hard as ice, it's as hard as pavement. You're doing acrobatic spins and tricks, 40 feet above pavement, essentially. There's been more accidents since, and there are going to continue to be more accidents, that's the nature of the sport.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Preventive measures can unintentionally increase risk, leading to more accidents in high‑risk activities.
In simple terms: Safety steps can cause more accidents.
Key Takeaway
Beware of unintended consequences of safety rules.
Themes
risk
safety
unintended consequences
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
analytical
practical
When to use this quote
- skiing
- air shows
- industrial safety
- policy design
Key Concepts
systems theory
human factors
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we design safety systems that truly reduce risk?
- What trade‑offs exist between safety and freedom?
A Different Perspective
Safety protocols may not address root causes and can create new hazards.