It's about mitigating risks if you are willing to take any.
Melodramatic analogy that doesn’t fit. You are comparing everyday life with a foolhardy risk that was unnecessary.
Life is a risk. Dead five miles from home is just as dead as 5000 mile out. Indeed this young lady with all the equipment, training and such was taking less risk than many 16 year olds take everyday driving while texting or distracted by friends in 4000 pound machines going 60 MPH.
It's about mitigating risks if you are willing to take any.