Public Perception and Risk Assessment

SACRAMENTO - Assessment of risk is widely discussed these days. How much risk is tolerable comes down to a political decision bent by public pressure. Concerning transportation of hazardous materials, the public demands stringent safety precautions, according to John Read, Transport Canada's director of dangerous goods transport.Hazmat transport safety precautions cost more per life saved or health risk avoided than other activities with equal or higher risks, Read said recently. "If the public doe