Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | November 4, 2024 | Car Accidents
As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are preparing to travel, whether to visit family and friends or to simply get away from the daily grind. These travelers, however, often end up asking themselves an essential question: Is it better to travel by air or by road?
Safety will be a primary consideration for many who must choose how to reach their destination, and one method is indeed statistically safer than the other: Flying.
However, just because there are many more fatal car accidents than deadly crashes involving commercial air carriers does not mean flying is a risk-free endeavor. Taking a look at the available statistics paints a more nuanced picture of travel safety.
Car Safety Statistics
Tens of thousands of people die annually in car crashes across the United States. In 2023, approximately 41,000 people were estimated to have lost their lives to traffic crashes. And though that number is slightly less than the estimated 43,000 car crash deaths that occurred the year before, it still equates to over 3,400 people losing their lives on the road each month.
These statistics do not take into account the countless number of injury- and non-injury-related collisions that happen every day. While these wrecks may not claim someone’s life, they can still cause thousands of dollars in damage and medical expenses. Severe car accidents can lead someone to suffer permanent, disabling injuries.
Flying Is Generally Safer Than Driving
When comparing the number of traffic-related fatalities to the number of people killed in aviation wrecks, the difference is night and day. In 2022, only one fatal accident involving an airliner occurred. That year, there were 8.3 million flight departures logged and 20 total accidents.
Not all types of flights are equally safe, however. In 2022, there were over 400 fatal general and civil aviation aircraft accidents. Combined, over 700 people died in those crashes. Overall, approximately 2,400 aviation crashes involving any type of aircraft were recorded that year.
Nevertheless, you are significantly less likely to perish in an aviation-related accident than in a car crash, no matter the kind of aircraft you fly in.
Tips for Safe Travel
Regardless of how you intend to travel or how far away your destination is, what you do along the way can be a factor in your risk of injury or death.
If you are driving to your destination, you should always adhere to the following tips:
- Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs
- Get plenty of rest and take frequent breaks when traveling long distances
- Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and right-of-way laws
- Put away distractions like cell phones if you are driving
Similarly, there are steps you can take to be safer next time you travel by air, such as:
- Traveling via a U.S. commercial airline like United, Delta, or American, when possible
- Checking the aircraft’s and pilot’s safety records and certifications in the event that you charter a private flight
- Following the pilot’s and flight crew’s instructions
- Reviewing emergency safety procedures before taking off
Finally, whether traveling by plane or motor vehicle, always wear a seat belt or restraint. These simple but effective devices can reduce your risk of suffering an injury or dying in an accident.
No Form of Travel Is Completely Risk-Free
No matter how far your destination is or how you choose to get there, there is no denying that traveling introduces some level of safety risk. It is generally safer to fly than to drive, especially if you use a major U.S. airline, but there are still things you can do to protect your safety in either scenario. Following the simple safety steps listed above can help ensure you arrive at your holiday destination happy and unscathed.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990