Many people have a fear of flying, and their fear often stems from thinking it’s dangerous and unsafe. However, statistically speaking, flying is significantly safer than driving. There is no other form of travel that is more carefully monitored, scrutinized, and investigated than air travel. InCruises shares five ways in which flying is safer than driving—and there are certainly many more.
- Lower Crash Rate
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, in 2015, there were only 27 total accidents involving air carriers, commuter and on-demand carriers, and general aviation—none of which were fatal. In the same year, there were 32,166 car accidents that resulted in more than 35,000 deaths. Despite the frequency in which plane crashes appear in movies, they are quite rare. The chances of dying in a plane crash are 1 in 11 million, which means you have a higher chance of being killed by a meteorite than an airplane.
- Rigorous Pilot Training
Almost anyone can get a driver’s license. However, to get a pilot’s license, you have to attend flight school and earn a license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Every pilot is carefully screened and trained before flying. On the other hand, anyone with a valid driver’s license can drive, even if they’re unsafe or dangerous drivers.
- Continuous Safety Monitoring
When you’re driving, no one is monitoring your safety. While flying, air traffic control is continuously monitoring the plane. Air traffic control is constantly providing instructions, giving clearance, and monitoring flight conditions. Your safety is in the hands of both pilots and air traffic control.
- Improvements in Design and Technology
New improvements in plane designs and technology are making them safer than ever. Planes are now designed with better engines to reduce system failures and increase reliability. New technology, like satellite global positioning technology, has helped pilots avoid bad weather, traffic jams, and find safer routes. Other advances in technology are replacing outdated mechanical controls with more reliable, safer electronic controls.
- Critical Systems are Protected
On the rare chance that something does happen while flying, a plane’s critical systems are protected. Bad weather or other unpredictable, dangerous factors in the air won’t damage a plane’s engine or electric controls. This is due to the protective shielded wiring and enclosures that surround the entire aircraft. A car’s critical systems are left vulnerable and easily damaged by bad weather, dangerous roads, and careless drivers.
There’s no safer way to get you to your destination than by flying. Whether you’ve booked a cruise with inCruises, or are traveling on business, flying is your safest bet. With the latest advancements and improvements, you won’t find a safer form of transportation!