Is Flying Safer Than Driving? The Data May Surprise You
When it comes to travel, many people still feel nervous about flying. But the numbers tell a very different story. Statistically, flying is one of the safest ways to travel — far safer than getting behind the wheel.
1. The Numbers: Flying Is Safer by a Wide Margin According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Safety Council, the fatality rate for air travel in the U.S. is roughly 0.003 deaths per 100 million miles. For passenger vehicles, the fatality rate is around 0.57 deaths per 100 million miles. That means driving is nearly 190 times more dangerous than flying. (Source: USAFacts)
In terms of injuries, driving results in millions of accidents each year, while commercial aviation incidents are rare. The FAA reports fewer than 50 serious injuries per year in the U.S. aviation system. (Source: USAFacts, FAA)
2. Why Flying Is So Safe Aviation safety is the result of decades of regulation, training, and technology. Pilots undergo extensive simulator training, aircraft are subject to regular inspections, and every commercial flight is closely monitored by air traffic control.
Modern jets are also equipped with multiple backup systems, and crews are trained for nearly every emergency scenario imaginable. (Source: Leopard Aviation)
Here is a simple, accurate bar graph comparing accident rates per billion miles traveled for cars and planes. You can download the image below:
Here is a simple, accurate bar graph comparing accident rates per billion miles traveled for cars and planes. You can download the image below:
Here is a simple, accurate bar graph comparing accident rates per billion miles traveled for cars and planes.
3. Why Driving Feels Safer — But Isn’t Despite the statistics, many people feel safer in a car because they’re in control. Flying, on the other hand, requires total trust in the pilots and aircraft. Additionally, air accidents tend to receive far more media coverage, which can distort public perception of risk.
But the reality is clear: the chances of a crash in a commercial aircraft are about 1 in 11 million, according to the National Safety Council. (Source: NSC)
Conclusion: Flying Is One of the Safest Ways to Travel If you’re a nervous flyer, take comfort in the data. From strict maintenance procedures to highly trained crews, flying is built around safety. Compared to the risks of everyday driving, getting on a plane is statistically one of the safest choices you can make.