Is Flying Safer Than Driving?

Ryan Zavodnick | September 15, 2023 | Car Accidents

If you ask someone whether they feel safer driving or flying, they will likely say driving. Driving a vehicle means you are in control. As a passenger in an airplane, you have no control. 

Furthermore, there is a risk perception that flying is more dangerous. If something goes wrong, the results are generally catastrophic compared to the results of the average car crash.

However, if you believe flying is more dangerous than driving, you would be going against the odds. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), your lifetime odds of dying in a car crash were 1 in 93. The NSC could not calculate the lifetime odds of dying as a passenger on a plane because there were too few deaths in 2021 to calculate the odds.

Of course, you spend much more time in a motor vehicle than you do on an airplane. Therefore, it makes sense that your lifetime odds of dying in a car crash would be higher than in an airplane accident. However, when you analyze the accident data for both industries, flying is still safer than driving.

Aviation Safety Data vs. Traffic Safety Data

According to U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there were less than 1,200 total accidents in 2021 involving general aviation. That number included about 200 serious injuries and less than 400 fatalities. Also, the total number of aviation accidents has declined for most years since 2000.

Let’s compare that to the statistics for car accidents in 2021.

According to the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, traffic fatalities reached a 16-year high in 2021. It is estimated that 42,915 people died in traffic accidents that year. That was a 10.5% increase from 2020.

An estimated 2.5 million people were injured in traffic accidents in 2021. That was a 9.4% increase from the previous year. 

Therefore, if we look solely at the numbers, flying in the United States would appear safer than driving.

The individual odds of being in an airplane crash versus a car accident depend on the person. The odds of being in an airplane accident are astronomically low for someone who never flies. An airplane would need to fall on them for them to be injured in an airplane accident.

However, if they drive or ride in a motor vehicle each day, their odds of being in a car crash increase. The odds would depend on other variables, such as location, time of day, and many more. 

What Should I Do if I Am Injured in an Accident?

Regardless of how you were injured, your first priority is to seek medical treatment. A medical professional is the only person who can accurately diagnose your injuries. Documenting your injuries is essential for any resulting legal claims you may have.

If you can do so without placing yourself or others in danger, photographing and videoing the accident scene is a great way to collect evidence. Injured parties must prove the legal elements of negligence or another cause of action to recover compensation for their injuries. Evidence from the accident scene can be very valuable.

You might also want to speak with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney evaluates your case, advises you of your legal options, and works to protect your right to fair compensation for damages.

What Damages Could I Receive for an Aviation or Car Accident?

Most aviation and car accident victims can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. Examples of damages you could receive after being injured in a car or airplane accident include:

  • The cost of medical care and treatment
  • Loss of wages, benefits, earning capacity, and other income
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Long-term care
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Impairments and disabilities

You must document your damages to receive compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. 

Car accident claims can be complicated. However, aviation injury cases are incredibly complex. You are dealing with numerous defendants, government agencies, and federal aviation laws. You need an experienced Philadelphia aviation injury lawyer to handle your case. 

There are deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits related to aviation injuries, car accidents, and other personal injuries. Don’t delay in speaking with a lawyer, or you could lose your right to pursue a claim. The courts can dismiss lawsuits filed after the deadline, so take time to talk with an attorney today.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case

To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.