There's often a lot of media attention when someone is killed by a large constrictor, But you don't see it very often, Why?
Simply because it doesn't happen very often. Infact of all of the deaths in the last 5 years involving large constrictors, In each case the owner/handler was at fault. All of these deaths could have been prevented had the snakes been properly cared for/handled.

In one of the cases the 18+ foot burmese was allowed to roam freely in the house, It nabbed it's young owner in his sleep most likely mistaking him for food. The snake should have been confined.
In another case the owner was showing off and was heavily intoxicated, When his snake bit and constricted him, No on present knew what to do and by the time medics arrived, It was too late.

Huge factors in deciding to keep a large constrictor include, Can you care properly for it?
This includes providing a large, Secure housing, For a snake that could easily reach 20 feet long, Feeding it mice, Rats, and someday rabbits, And cleaning up piles of waste that compare in size to what a horse would leave.

Another factor is.. How much do your friends and family REALLY love you?
Enough to feed your snake should you take a vacation?
Enough even to help you any time you need to remove your snake from it's enclosure?
A good measure of thumb is to have one handler for every 6 feet of body length, Your average burm will get to be 18 feet.
Some people will tell you that's just a precaution and not nessicary, I tend to think those are the ones who have yet to be bitten and constricted.

They certainly are not for the novice reptile owner but if you can honestly provide what the snake needs, They make wonderful, Unique and Safe pets.