External agencies and government bodies publish safety ratings for cars to help consumers alleviate what type of risk?

The correct answer is focused on physiological risk. When consumers are considering the purchase of a car, safety ratings provided by external agencies and government bodies primarily address concerns related to the physical well-being of the occupants. Physiological risk refers to the fear of physical harm or injury that can arise from using a product, in this case, a vehicle. By providing safety ratings, these organizations help alleviate consumers' worries about the potential dangers associated with car accidents, thereby giving buyers more confidence in their choices.

The safety ratings serve as a form of assurance that a vehicle has been evaluated and found to meet specific safety standards, effectively reducing the perceived health risks involved in driving that car.