Maybe bad things don't happen more often, maybe we just hear about them more often. Population density, the 'net, and instant communication. Hazelnut is exactly right, to not allow ice sliding is a real loss.
It's a vicious circle. If one in a million is a serial killer, it stands to reason that the same city now expanded to 3 million people has 3 serial killers.
We want to hear the latest news, but on the other hand, I think some people get their ideas from the media.
Kids taking guns to schools and killing. Would they have thought to do that had they not heard about it?
Nothing seems to be done in moderation anymore. Everything is to the extreme. IMHO.