Stephen Schultz | January 19, 2024 | Aviation Accidents, Car Accidents
Safety is always a top priority, and that is especially true for travelers. In turn, if you travel frequently, certain questions have more than likely crossed your mind. Is flying safe? How safe is flying? Has a plane crashed into cars before? They may seem like obvious inquiries to pose, but the answers may surprise you.
While flying has a bad reputation, with many considering air travel as highly unsafe, it’s actually the far safer option over driving such long distances. Statistically, many more car accidents take place every year compared to plane crashes. Furthermore, your odds of dying in a plane crash are much less than suffering injuries or dying in a car accident.
With that said, if you choose to forgo the plane and instead drive to your destination, only to be involved in a vehicular collision, seek legal assistance from a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
Flying Vs. Driving: The Statistics
If you’re wondering, “How often do planes crash?” it’s much less often than you may think. The numbers make it easy to see the stark difference between flying and driving. Numerous flights occur every single day all over the world, but the chances of them experiencing a catastrophic event are remarkably low.
In fact, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that of the 7.7 million flights that occurred in 2021, there was only one fatal plane crash. The overall fatality risk is 0.23%, which means you would have to take a flight every day for over 10,000 years to be involved in a crash with a fatality.
That information differs greatly from the reality of car accidents. In that same year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 42,915 motor vehicle deaths, a 10.5% increase over the previous year and a 16-year high.
Generally, individuals are much more likely to get killed in a car accident than in a plane crash. Your odds of dying in plane crashes are much less than dying in a motor vehicle accident, which is 1 in 93.
Which Is Safer: Flying or Driving?
Considering the statistics, it’s clear that traveling by air is much safer than traveling on the road. Of course, flying can be a bit more challenging, given the money and planning it requires. But if safety is on your mind and you have the option, going by air may be the better and more secure choice for you and your loved ones.
Why Flying Feels More Dangerous Than Driving
Regardless of the above statistics, traveling by plane just feels more dangerous than traveling by car for most people, and there are several reasons as to why that is.
Firstly, feelings of control help some people feel safer. When you’re in a plane, you know the safety and success of your flight are in the hands of someone else, but when you’re driving, you’re in control, which could give you a greater sense of safety.
Additionally, even though the numbers indicate otherwise, flying feels more risky than driving. Although car accidents happen with much greater frequency than plane crashes, many people, deep down, still have an understanding that a plane crash can be much more deadly, which can contribute to greater feelings of fear and apprehension.
Furthermore, traveling by plane can bring up other unrelated fears for passengers. It is particularly common to fear heights, strangers, crowds, and tight spaces. Flying takes all these fears and crams them into one experience, making air travel practically torturous for some.
Seek Help From an Experienced St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
No matter the numbers and statistics, driving remains a part of everyday life for countless individuals, and that means dangers on the road still exist. If you’re involved in a car accident or lose a loved one in a fatal crash, you may have legal rights and options. It’s best to discuss your situation with an experienced accident attorney for advice, support, and guidance.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in St. Louis, MO
If you’ve been injured, please contact a car accident lawyer at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
St. Louis, MO Law Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Ladue, MO Law Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
Creve Coeur, MO Law Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Columbia, MO Law Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
