US accident rate
It would appear the US rate is better than Australia and New Zealand. They have about 10,000+ civil choppers whereas Australasia has about 1,600.
Overall, we have almost twice their accident rate. However, before you throw bricks at this post, remember our larger percentage of light machines. This group has a much higher loss rate, due to the type of work they do.
To summarise, the US rates are generally lower; which goes to prove it is not regulation but education that seems to make the difference.
Anyone like to add to this?