Why Flying Is Safer Than Driving?

Why Flying Is Safer Than Driving?

Have you ever flown in a plane? I think most people have. Were you scared to get on the plane? Are you scared of the thought of flying? Many people are  indeed. If so, you are not alone because many people feel that the plane is going to crash, or that the plane is going to fall to the ground because of turbulence. But the fact is that flying is even safer than driving your car down the road. I`m going to tell you why flying is safe and why is it safer than driving.

Flying is safe because of many reasons but I`m going to list the most relevant ones.

1) Crash rate:

According to USA Today, the number of fatalities due to car accidents is drastically lower than those from plane accidents each year. In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found there were 1.27 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. To provide a contrast, that same year, the equivalent aviation data, compiled by the National Transportation Safety Board could report only 20 accidents for U.S. air carriers operating scheduled service. While plane crashes are often highlighted by the media, the occurrence is extremely rare. In fact, these statistics suggest that "you are more likely to die driving to the airport than flying across the country." So, don`t be so scared of flying.

2) Flying is getting safer everyday:

Ever since the Wright brothers invented the airplane in 1903, flying has only become safer. According to a Huffington Post article, "the past 10 years have been the best in the country's aviation history with 153 fatalities." To put this statistic into perspective, the Associated Press determined it is equivalent to two deaths per each 100 million passengers flying commercially. Compare that tiny fraction with the 30,000 plus deaths from motor vehicles that take place every year. 

3) ATC or Air Traffic Control:

While no one is helping you watch the road from behind your steering wheel, pilots have many eyes assisting them from take-off through landing with Air Traffic Control. They rotate around the clock 24 hours a day using radar procedures to track the planes in the sky, give instructions, clearance and information about flight conditions. Your pilots are never the only people in charge of your safety in the air. 

4) Training:

If you have a license, think back to your driver's test. To pass your test you must do several exercises and parkings so you can pass. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pilots, on the other hand, go through rigorous training and certification processes. Many pilots are retired members of the U.S Air Force. Plus, one must go to flight school and receive a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most airline companies also require pilots to attend at least 2 years of college. Unlike on the road, there is an intense screening process to determine those licensed to fly.  

5) Technology:

Without putting down your car's latest technology, airline technology makes motor vehicles look like vessels from the stone age in comparison. Sure, your GPS might be able to detect traffic and highlight an alternate route, and maybe you like driving in cruise control, but technology on airplanes controls almost the entire flight. According to Executive Travel magazine, planes contain turbulence detection programming that can "predict the intensity, altitude and movement of turbulence." In addition, runway safety technology communicates between planes to "warn pilots to stop if another plane or vehicle might be coming." These technological improvements control all aspects of flying, from the run way to the cockpit. The responsibility of a pilot to steer a plane is almost obsolete. "Fly-by-wire" planes, which include the most recent and common vessels in the sky, feature electronic controls that have replaced outdated mechanical controls.

These are five of the most and relevant aspects of flying I think anyone thinking about flying should know. These five reasons may help you to:
* Understand why flying is safe.
* Reassure you that flying is not dangerous.
* Help you overcome your fears and help you relax and enjoy your flights.

Javier Monzòn 9th Grade ``c`` Teacher Alecio.