The statistics on mortality risks for Americans reveal surprising truths. The likelihood of an average American being shot to death stands at 1 in 314, but the odds are significantly higher for other causes. For instance, the risk of committing suicide is 1 in 119, and dying in a fatal car accident is even greater at 1 in 78.

However, the most alarming statistic is related to cancer, with the odds of dying from it being as high as 1 in 5. This highlights that while gun violence is a concern, there are even more pressing health and safety issues that people face daily, according to Niall Ferguson's book, "The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World."