Airplane crashes can be a terrifying experience, but the good news is that the chances of surviving an airplane crash are high. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, the odds of dying in a plane crash are 1 in 11 million. However, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of surviving.
Reserve a seat in the rear of the plane
In general, the rear of the plane is considered the safest place to be. This is because, in a crash, the impact forces are spread out more evenly over a larger area at the back of the aircraft. Additionally, seats located over the wings provide more stability during turbulence and turbulence tends to be less severe over the wings.
Choose a seat near an exit
If you are on an airplane and there is a crash, it’s important to be able to quickly evacuate the plane. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose a seat near an exit, ideally in the front of the plane. This will allow you to quickly escape and minimize the risk of being trapped in a fire.
Listen to the safety instructions
The flight attendants will provide you with important information about the emergency exits, seat belts, oxygen masks and life jackets. Make sure you listen carefully and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Wear your seatbelt
Keeping your seatbelt fastened at all times can greatly increase your chances of surviving a crash. In case of turbulence, this can prevent you from being thrown out of your seat.
Keep your seat in an upright position
In the event of a crash, it’s important to keep your seat in an upright position and brace yourself. This will reduce the impact and help to protect your head, neck, and spine.
Be prepared for an emergency landing
Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and how to use your life jacket in case of an emergency landing on water.
Don’t panic
If an incident occurs, stay calm and follow the instructions of the flight crew. Panicking will not help you in any way and may even harm others.
Here are some stats to help you understand how we stand in terms of airplane incidents:
- According to the Aviation Safety Network, there have been a total of 889 plane crashes over the last 10 years (2011-2020).
- Out of these, there were a total of 32,655 deaths.
- The average number of fatalities per crash was approximately 36.9.
- The overall survival rate for plane crashes over the last 10 years was around 95%.
- However, it is important to note that survival rates can vary greatly depending on the type of plane, location of the crash, and other factors.
It is also worth mentioning that aviation safety has improved significantly over the years and the number of fatalities has decreased as a result of better technology, regulations, and safety measures.
In conclusion, while airplane incidents can be frightening, the odds of dying in a plane crash are low. By following these simple tips, you can greatly improve your chances of surviving an airplane crash. So, the next time you fly, relax and know that you are in good hands.
