Reducing the risk per mile driven would reduce deaths, but so would reducing miles driven. More public transportation would achieve that.

Higher-density housing wouldn't be the worst idea, especially higher-density housing near light railway when combined with public parks. The suburban paradises are plainly incompatible with public transport.

By that same logic we could avoid surgery deaths by not doing surgery.

But then you're ignoring the benefit.

The correct analogy: avoid surgery with preventative healthcare and lifestyle changes.

How do you call this paradox where mortality increases at a hospital because simple cases are diverted to outpatient clinic and only the severe cases are seen at the inpatient facility?

Adverse selection.

By that reasoning, traffic safety is increased by moving the bar from downtown to 30 minutes down the road when in fact it should be at the corner, so people can walk and leave the car at home. Good to have the misconception cleared up.

Sure, but no-one was arguing that.

Let's all start a fund to build bars closer?

Congrats on that break-through.