Jill Kolodner | October 26, 2023 | Car Accidents
There are many benefits to flying instead of driving. You can save time and avoid sitting in traffic. Flying may often be more convenient than driving, especially for long distances.
Despite the benefits of flying, some individuals still choose cars over planes. Many travelers have a fear of flying and prefer driving instead. This common fear has left many people feeling that driving is a safer alternative to flying. However, is it really safer?
Car Accident Statistics
In 2022, there were approximately 42,795 people who died in car crashes throughout the United States. There were also 5.4 million medically consulted injuries from car accidents in 2021.
In 2022, there were an estimated 1.35 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled. Prior to that, in 2021, there were 12.9 car accident deaths per 100,000 people.
Plane Crash Statistics
Car accident statistics show that the odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 93. However, the statistics of plane crashes vs car crashes differs vastly.
In 2021, there were 21 total plane crashes. Of the 21 U.S. air carrier accidents, none resulted in fatalities. In 2022, there were 39 total international plane accidents that resulted in 158 fatalities. Note that these figures represent commercial aircraft carriers only, not private airplanes.
The odds of being killed in a plane crash for most travelers in the U.S. is 1 in 11 million.
Flying Is Safer
While many people continue to fear flying, the data shows that commercial airplane travel is a much safer mode of transportation than driving.
Most travelers drive more than they fly. This increases the likelihood of being involved in a car crash. Airline safety measures are usually more strictly enforced than traffic laws which drivers often ignore.
Commercial aircrafts are highly regulated and can be safer than taking a chartered or privately owned airplane. Commercial airplane crashes are extremely rare, and flying with these airlines can decrease your risk of injury or fatality.
Flying Feels Less Safe
Even though the numbers show that flying is safer than driving, airplane travel often feels more dangerous to passengers. This may be due to fears that it is impossible to survive a car crash, whereas many car accidents are not fatal.
Reduce Risks When Driving
Flying is statistically safer than driving, but it is impossible to fly everywhere that you need to go. When driving, you should reduce your risk of getting into a fatal accident by abiding by the rules of the road.
The following are safety tips to help make driving safer:
- Avoid distracted driving
- Maintain a safe speed
- Do not tailgate
- Do not drive drunk
- Do not text and drive
- Properly pass other cars
- Use turn signals
- Maintain your vehicle
Driving when focused and well-rested can help you avoid being injured in a car accident.
What To Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident
Your chances of being injured in a car accident are far more likely than sustaining injuries or being involved in an airplane accident. If you are involved in a car accident, it can be helpful to know what to do.
The following are steps to take after being involved in a car accident:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention immediately
- Notify law enforcement and subsequently obtain a police report
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene
- Gather witness statements and contact information
- Contact the insurance company (after speaking with an attorney, ideally) but do not provide a recorded statement and do not apologize or accept blame
No matter how well you minimize risks, accidents can still occur. If you are injured in an accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need.
Contact The Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm Of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyer – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080
