Compared to Driving, Flying Is Extraordinarily Safe – but Why Doesn’t It Feel that Way?

Compared to driving, flying is extraordinarily safe. But why doesn't it feel that way?

A commercial airplane crash can change how people behave long after the immediate tragedy. News outlets replay the images, people affected share their harrowing stories, and an extraordinarily rare event becomes easy to imagine. Some travelers cancel trips; others drive to their destination instead.

Why nervous flyers should think twice before opting to drive, according to new data

Skipping a flight and opting to drive instead is typically much riskier, even if it doesn’t feel like it

Compared to driving, flying is extraordinarily safe – but why doesn’t it feel that way?

Millions of people fly safely every day, but when plane crashes do happen, they can be catastrophic. RM Bulseco/Flickr, CC BYA commercial airplane crash can change how people behave long after the immediate tragedy. News outlets replay the images, people affected share their harrowing stories, and an extraordinarily rare event becomes easy to imagine. Some travelers cancel trips; others drive to their destination instead. These choices may feel …