Flying: LESS Dangerous Than Ever
Air Travel: Safer Than Ever
Flying can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people, but a new study published in August finds that flying has become much less dangerous than it was.
By the Numbers
- Flyers are 39 times safer than half a century ago.
- The risk of death on a commercial flight has halved every decade for the past 60 years.
Why is Flying Safer?
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the increased safety of flying:
- Improved aircraft design: Aircraft are now designed with more safety features, such as redundant systems and crash-resistant materials.
- Better pilot training: Pilots are now required to undergo more rigorous training, including training on how to handle emergencies.
- Improved air traffic control: Air traffic control systems have been upgraded to help prevent collisions and other accidents.
Despite the Improvements, Accidents Still Happen
It’s important to remember that, while flying is much safer than it used to be, accidents can still happen.
The MIT study found that there were 10 fatal accidents involving commercial passenger flights in 2019. These accidents resulted in the deaths of 299 people.
How to Stay Safe When Flying
There are a number of things you can do to stay safe when flying:
- Choose a reputable airline: Do some research before you book your flight to make sure you’re flying with a safe airline.
- Follow the safety instructions: Always follow the safety instructions given by the flight attendants.
- Stay aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to what’s going on around you and report any suspicious activity to a flight attendant.
Conclusion
Flying is much safer than it used to be, but accidents can still happen. By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
Sources:
- MIT News: Air travel safety has improved dramatically over the past 60 years
- IATA: Commercial aviation fatality rate hits record low in 2019
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