True, MB, on the other hand I suppose that, e.g., motorcycle racing can result in similar injuries, maybe even at a similar rate (that's why it's no thanks for me as well).
Might actually be an interesting question: how safe could one make wingsuit flying? But then I suppose that's not quite the mindset of these guys
.
It's an interesting question about psychology I think - the safer we make life, the more esoteric ways man (I mean the animal, not the gender) comes up with to push the envelope. I don't believe it's a deathwish, ignorance, or any deliberate inclination to 'risk'. I'm inclined to believe that some people are just 'wired' differently - in the past, they served a purpose, to break new ground for the species. In our modern day H&S society, not so much - as fast as you make things 'safe' they'll find new outlets.
Yet to get around to watching this, but I suspect it might be interesting along those lines:
Daredevils: Life on the Edge - 4oD - Channel 4