When making decisions in life, how do you choose between your desire to live and your values when they contradict each other?

Somewhat related to another question I asked a while back.

If you have to make a choice between something that makes you safer but compromises your values or vice versa, which do you choose? This question came to me when reading a list of safety tips by an ER doctor (the full list can be found here). It was his first tip that got me thinking. Here it is:

“Drive the biggest vehicle you can afford to drive. Your greatest risk of death comes from a motor vehicle accident. Despite all the data from the government on crash test safety, I can say unequivocally that in a 2-car accident, the person in the larger car always fairs better. Force=Mass x Acceleration. The vehicle with larger mass imparts the greater force. Also, purchase the newest large vehicle that you can afford. Crumple zones in newer cars can expand deceleration time from 30 milliseconds to 90 milliseconds which decreases deceleration forces by a factor of 3. I am not a believer in global warming or man’s contribution to it, but if you are and you want to do your part by driving a Smart Car or a Prius you should be commended for potentially standing by your convictions with your life. Also, if your midlife crisis plans include a motorcycle or sports car, realize that you might resolve your midlife crisis by avoiding old age all together. It goes without saying to wear your seatbelts, and you should be engulfed by as many air bags as possible. If we were truly rational about risk, all seat belts would be 5-point restraints and we would wear helmets while driving.”

I think it’s absurd for a person not to “believe” in man’s contribution to global warming, so I’ve been resolved for quite a while to do my part in contributing as little pollution as possible. I don’t have or need a car right now, but when the day comes, I’ve assumed I would go for a smaller car with good MPG. But it seems I’m increasing my risk of being seriously hurt if I get into an accident. So I need to get a gas-guzzling SUV now so that I can walk away from a crash with a soccer mom who’s driving the same thing?

Similar dilemmas occur when you think about where you want to live, for example. Your values might dictate that you live in an urban area, but your fear for the safety of your kids and your desire to give them the best education might make you want to move to the suburbs. Or concerning military service: I love America and want it to remain a great country, but I’m not willing to put my life on the line for it.

Another one which might become an issue soon is performance-enhancing drugs used in an academic setting. Students are starting to pop pills to increase their focus and concentration, to give them an edge in studying and getting better grades. If you refuse to participate (these pills do have negative health effects), how do you keep up with everyone else when you want to be the best too?

How do you decide if your values or your desire for safety win out? I’d love to hear examples of choices people made and why they made them.