The public seems able to understand that there is a cost/benefit tradeoff in driving cars. They could probably understand that idea in the case of drug approval also.
People accept the risk of driving because they feel like they're in control and can prevent a bad outcome. The same is not even remotely true about a drug.
I agree. I think this is why self driving cars will be difficult for society to accept. It's an odd topic because most people would never want to drive their own plane, yet willingly get on airplanes with some % chance they will crash.
The notion that there is some % of cars that will crash seems more palatable when you're the one driving rather than some robot. Or maybe that's just because I pretend I'm a better driver than the self driving cars. This sort of "I could do it better..." psychology is probably what drives these behaviors.
I can't build a better drug; .'. I trust that medical professionals will keep me safe.
I can't fly the plane in a safer manner; .'. I trust that pilots will keep me safe.
I might be able to drive in a safer manner; .'. I don't trust a self driving car.
